The group A streptococcus bacterium (Streptococcus pyogenes, or GAS) is a form of Streptococcus bacteria responsible for most cases of streptococcal illness. Other types (B, C, D, and G) may also cause infection. Several virulence factors contribute to the pathogenesis of GAS, such as M protein, hemolysins, and extracellular enzymes. For further explanation of these virulence factors, see the main article on Streptococcus pyogenes. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (commonly known by the abbreviation ICD) is a detailed description of known diseases and injuries. ... The following codes are used with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. ... Binomial name Streptococcus pyogenes Rosenbach 1884 Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that grows in pairs (diplococci) or short chains depending on the culture method. ... Streptococcus, a genus of spherical, Gram-positive bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes. ... Binomial name Streptococcus pyogenes Rosenbach 1884 Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that grows in pairs (diplococci) or short chains depending on the culture method. ...

Severe streptococcal infections

Some strains of group A streptococci (GAS) cause severe infection. Those at greatest risk include children with chickenpox; persons with suppressed immune systems; burn victims; elderly persons with cellulitis, diabetes, blood vessel disease, or cancer; and persons taking steroid treatments or chemotherapy. Intravenous drug users also are at high risk. Severe GAS disease may also occur in healthy persons with no known risk factors. All severe GAS infections may lead to shock, multisystem organ failure, and death. Early recognition and treatment are critical. Diagnostic tests include blood counts and urinalysis as well as cultures of blood or fluid from a wound site. Antibiotics of choice include penicillin, erythromycin and clindamycin. For the South Park episode, see Chickenpox (South Park episode). ... In medicine, immunodeficiency (or immune deficiency) is a state in which the immune systems ability to fight infectious disease is compromised or entirely absent. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article is about the disease that features high blood sugar. ... Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into adjacent tissue through invasion or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis. ... Steroid skeleton. ... Chemotherapy is the use of chemical substances to treat disease. ... An intravenous drug (IV drug) is a drug administered intravenously, either by an intravenous drip or a syringe. ... Shock is a serious medical condition where the tissue perfusion is insufficient to meet the required supply of oxygen and nutrients. ... Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome MODS; previously known as multiple organ failure (MOF) is altered organ function in an acutely ill patient requiring medical intervention to maintain homeostasis. ... For other uses, see Death (disambiguation). ... Schematics of shorthand for complete blood count commonly used by physicians. ... A urinalysis (or UA) is an array of tests performed on urine and one of the most common methods of medical diagnosis. ... Penicillin nucleus Penicillin (sometimes abbreviated PCN) refers to a group of β-lactam antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually Gram-positive, organisms. ... Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic which has an antimicrobial spectrum similar to or slightly wider than that of penicillin, and is often used for people who have an allergy to penicillins. ... Clindamycin (rINN) (IPA: ) is a lincosamide antibiotic used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible microorganisms. ...

Types of infection

Infections are largely categorized by the location of infection:

• strep throat -- pharynx
• scarlet fever -- upper body
• impetigo, cellulitis, and erysipelas -- skin and underlying tissues
• bacteremia -- bloodstream
• focal infections -- limited to a particular site. Bacteremia can be associated with these infections, but it is not always present. Treatment depends on the specific clinical findings. Types include:
  • pneumonia -- pulmonary alveolus
  • tonsillitis -- tonsils
  • septic arthritis -- joints
  • osteomyelitis -- bones
  • peritonitis -- peritoneum
  • meningitis -- meninges
• toxic shock syndrome -- multiple systems
• necrotizing fasciitis -- skin, fascia and muscle

(Note that some of these diseases can be caused by other infectious agents as well.) Strep throat (or Streptococcal pharyngitis, or Streptococcal Sore Throat) is a form of Group A streptococcal infection that affects the pharynx. ... The pharynx (plural: pharynges) is the part of the neck and throat situated immediately posterior to the mouth and nasal cavity, and cranial to the esophagus, larynx, and trachea. ... In zootomy and dermatology, skin is an organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissues that guard underlying muscles and organs. ... Bacteremia (Bacteræmia in British English, also known as blood poisoning or toxemia) is the presence of bacteria in the blood. ... Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are present in the blood and help carry oxygen to the rest of the cells in the body Blood is a circulating tissue composed of fluid plasma and cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets). ... Bacteremia (Bacteræmia in British English, also known as blood poisoning or toxemia) is the presence of bacteria in the blood. ... It has been suggested that CURB-65 be merged into this article or section. ... Detailed drawing of the alveoli from Grays Anatomy, 1918 - Schematic longitudinal section of a primary lobule of the lung (anatomical unit); r. ... Tonsils during tonsillitis infection. ... The Palatine tonsils with the soft palate, uvula, and tongue visible. ... Septic arthritis is the proliferation of bacteria in joints and resultant inflammation. ... A joint (from French joint) (articulation) is the location at which two bones make contact (articulate). ... Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone, usually caused by pyogenic bacteria or mycobacteria. ... For other uses, see Bone (disambiguation), including Bones which redirects here. ... In higher vertebrates, the peritoneum is the serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity - it covers most of the intra-abdominal organs. ... Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain, usually due to bacterial or viral infections elsewhere in the body that has spread into the blood and into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). ... The meninges (singular meninx) are the system of membranes that envelop the central nervous system. ... Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin. ... Necrotizing fasciitis or fasciitis necroticans, commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria, is a rare infection of the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues (fascia). ... In zootomy and dermatology, skin is an organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissues that guard underlying muscles and organs. ... Fascia is specialized connective tissue layer which surrounds muscles, bones, and joints, providing support and protection and giving structure to the body. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Muscular system. ...

Complications

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a complication of a strep throat caused by particular strains of GAS. Although common in developing countries, ARF is rare in the United States, with small isolated outbreaks reported only occasionally. It is most common among children between 5-15 years of age. A family history of ARF may predispose an individual to the disease. Symptoms typically occur 18 days after an untreated strep throat. An acute attack lasts approximately 3 months. The most common clinical finding is a migratory arthritis involving multiple joints. The most serious complication is carditis, or heart inflammation (rheumatic heart disease), as this may lead to chronic heart disease and disability or death years after an attack. Less common findings include bumps or nodules under the skin (usually over the spine or other bony areas) and a red expanding rash on the trunk and extremities that recurs over weeks to months. Because of the different ways ARF presents itself, the disease may be difficult to diagnose. A neurological disorder, chorea, can occur months after an initial attack, causing jerky involuntary movements, muscle weakness, slurred speech, and personality changes. Initial episodes of ARF as well as recurrences can be prevented by treatment with appropriate antibiotics. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease which may develop after a Group A streptococcal infection (such as strep throat or scarlet fever) and can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain. ... // Chorea sancti viti (Latin for St. ...

Post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is an uncommon complication of either a strep throat or a streptococcal skin infection. Symptoms of PSGN develop within 10 days following a strep throat or 3 weeks following a GAS skin infection. PSGN involves inflammation of the kidney. Symptoms include pale skin, lethargy, loss of appetite, headache and dull back pain. Clinical findings may include dark-colored urine, swelling of different parts of the body (edema), and high blood pressure. Treatment of PSGN consists of supportive care. Glomerulonephritis is a primary or secondary autoimmune renal disease featuring inflammation of the glomeruli. ...

References

• The original text of this article is taken from the NIH Fact Sheet "Group A Streptococcal Infections", dated March 1999. As a work of the U.S. Federal Government without any other copyright notice, this is assumed to be a public domain resource.