Pathogens
Streptococcus pyogenes, Group A

Streptococcus pyogenes, Group A

General Information

  • Penicillin

  • Cefazolin

  • Toxic shock or necrotizing infection: add clindamycin

  • Vancomycin

  • Linezolid

Gram positive cocci in chains, beta-hemolytic

  • Reservoir is human skin and oropharynx/mucous membranes

  • Person-to-person transmission

Most common manifestations:

  • Pharyngitis ("strep throat")
  • Skin infections (impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis)

Other invasive infections:

  • Bacteremia
  • Endocarditis
  • Necrotizing fasciitis
  • Toxic shock syndrome
  • Post-infectious immunologically mediated phenomena such as glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever