Pathogens
Streptococcus pyogenes / Group A Strep

Streptococcus pyogenes / Group A Strep

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

General Information

Gram positive cocci in chains, beta-hemolytic

Reservoir is human skin and oropharynx/mucous membranes, colonizes 10% in pharynx, more commonly children

Person-to-person transmission, occasionally foodborne

Exhaustive and fascinating list.

Most common manifestations tonsillopharyngitis ("strep throat") and skin infections (impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis)

Invasive infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis, toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, and other sterile space infections.

Post-infectious immunologically mediated phenomena such as glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.

Scarlet fever.

Skin, wound, burn infections, all ages: Contact Precautions (until 24 hours after effective therapy)

Pharyngitis, pneumonia, and Scarlet Fever in infants and children: Droplet Precautions (until 24 hours after effective therapy)

Serious invasive disease, all ages: Droplet Precautions (until 24 hours after effective therapy)

Invasive disease is reportable - call Public Health and Infectious Disease.