Streptococcus pyogenes, Group A

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 24 hours of antimicrobial therapy or after last debridement, otherwise no precautions.

Post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated.