Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A)

This assay is only available as part of a panel and cannot be ordered individually.

Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A strep (GAS), is a gram positive coccus. GAS causes noninvasive disease (strep throat, impetigo); invasive disease (necrotizing fasciitis [NF], streptococcal toxic shock syndrome [STSS], cellulitis, bacteremia, pneumonia, puerperal sepsis); and nonsuppurative sequelae (acute rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis). STSS is a severe illness characterized by shock and multi-organ failure. NF presents with severe local pain and rapid destruction of tissue. Rheumatic fever is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in young people worldwide.*

Persons with chronic cardiac or respiratory disease, diabetes, skin lesions or surgical wounds, children with varicella, intravenous drug users, the elderly and immunocompromised are at the highest risk for severe infection.

*Source: http://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/clinicians.html