What are group A streptococcal infections?
Group A streptococci (GAS) bacteria are common and can cause a number of conditions ranging from sore throat to potentially fatal toxic shock or destruction of tissue. There are about 80 different serotypes of Group A streptococci. Who gets group A streptococcal infections? Anyone can get streptococcal infections. Host susceptibility can affect the severity of infection in individuals. The same type of bacteria can cause severe infection in one person and mild or asymptomatic disease in others. GAS pharyngitis and skin infections are more common in school-aged children than in adults except during epidemics. How are group A streptococcal infections spread? Close contact with carriers such as occurs in schools, child care, and military institutions. Transmission can occur by indirect contact with objects or food. What are the symptoms of group A streptococcal infections? The most common clinical illness produced by GAS is sore throat (“strep throat”). Some people with “strep throat” are
