Group A streptococcal infection | |
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Streptococcus pyogenes | |
Specialty | Infectious diseases ![]() |
Group A streptococcal infections are a number of infections with Streptococcus pyogenes, a group A streptococcus (GAS).[1] S. pyogenes is a species of beta-hemolytic Gram-positive bacteria that is responsible for a wide range of infections that are mostly common and fairly mild. If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, the infection can become severe and life-threatening, and is called an invasive GAS (iGAS).[2][3]
Infection of GAS may spread through direct contact with mucus or sores on the skin.[2] GAS infections can cause over 500,000 deaths per year.[4] Despite the emergence of antibiotics as a treatment for group A streptococcus, cases of iGAS are an increasing problem, particularly on the continent of Africa.[5]
There are many other species of Streptococcus, including group B streptococcus Streptococcus agalactiae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which cause other types of infections. Several virulence factors contribute to the pathogenesis of GAS, such as M protein, hemolysins, and extracellular enzymes.
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