Group A Streptococcal Infections of the Skin and Pharynx

Group A streptococci produce many infections, but the two most common are pharyngitis and impetigo. In a pediatric practice in Rochester, New York, approximately 10 per cent of office visits were related to streptococcal disease, and half these cases were pharyngitis.1 In spite of this high prevalence a study group found that recent medical-school graduates are not well versed in the microbiology or therapy of Group A streptococcal disease.2 These considerations prompt this review of the pathogenesis and management of two common streptococcal infections.The OrganismStreptococci are gram-positive, facultatively an-aerobic cocci that grow in chains . . .