The Shock of Strep: Rapid Deaths Due to Group a Streptococcus

infections have been shown to cause significant morbidity and rapid mortality. In many cases, patients expire before full antemortem testing can be performed, causing physicians and families to look to forensic pathologists for answers. Understanding the pathogenesis of invasive group A strep infections, relevant gross and microscopic findings, and proper culturing techniques is critical for forensic pathologists to diagnosis this condition and assist in the education and protection of the communities they serve.