Group A Streptococcal Infection

Introduction

Group A streptococci (GAS), causes various infections in humans.  The infections can range from a mild skin infection to severe, life-threatening conditions. Infection with Streptococcus pyogenes can also  lead to sore throat.

Epidemiology

Streptococcal infection may have a low fever and thickened nasal discharge. Other Symptoms includes Fever, swollen glands or lymph nodes. The treatment for GAS sore throats is penicillin taken orally or by a shot. Ampicillin, amoxicillin, or oral cephalosporins are sometimes used as alternatives.

Statistics

Group A streptococcal disease is endemic worldwide, but invasive disease is believed to be more common and more severe in lesser developed countries. More than 10 million noninvasive GAS infections occur annually. Overall, the range of incidence rates per county was from less than 1.0 to 4.0 cases per 100,000 populations.