Pathogens
Streptococcus pyogenes, Group A

Streptococcus pyogenes, Group A

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

Susceptibilities

General Information

Gram positive cocci in chains, beta-hemolytic.

Reservoir is human skin and oropharynx/mucous membranes.

Person-to-person transmission.

Occasionally foodborne.

Exhaustive and fascinating list.

Most common manifestations are:

  • Tonsillopharyngitis ("Strep throat")
  • Skin infections (impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis)

Other invasive infections:

  • Bacteremia
  • Endocarditis
  • Necrotizing fasciitis
  • Meningitis
  • Toxic shock syndrome
  • Pneumonia
  • Other sterile space infections

Post-infectious immunologically mediated phenomena such as glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.

Scarlet fever.

Contact and droplet precautions for invasive disease for the first 24hrs of antimicrobial therapy or after last debridement, otherwise no precautions.

Post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated.