Group A Streptococci are a species of gram-positive bacteria responsible for causing a number of pyogenic (pus-producing) infections including impetigo, scarlet fever and pneumonia. Further fatal complications arising from infection include the development of meningitis and sepsis.

  • David Goulding, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
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view Group A Streptococci are a species of gram-positive bacteria responsible for causing a number of pyogenic (pus-producing) infections including impetigo, scarlet fever and pneumonia. Further fatal complications arising from infection include the development of meningitis and sepsis.

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Group A Streptococci are a species of gram-positive bacteria responsible for causing a number of pyogenic (pus-producing) infections including impetigo, scarlet fever and pneumonia. Further fatal complications arising from infection include the development of meningitis and sepsis. David Goulding, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). Source: Wellcome Collection.

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Although all ages are susceptible to infection, group A streptococci primarily affect school-aged children accounting for 15-30% of pharyngitis cases. It has been estimated that up to 20% of asymptomatic school-aged children may be carriers of group A streptococci during the winter months. Generally, infections are treated easily with penicillin. Group A streptococci are also responsible for toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and necrotizing fasciitis, a rare 'flesh-eating' disease which in severe cases causes extensive limb damage, necessitating amputation. Each Streptococcus is 1 micrometer in diameter.

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