[Significance of group A streptococcal infections in human pathology].

INTRODUCTION

Group A streptococci is the causative agent in 80 percents of human streptococcal infections. The only member of this group is Streptococcus pyogenes. CLINICALFEATURES OF GAS INFECTIONS: The various clinical entities and related complications caused by pyogenic streptococci are reviewed in the article. Pharyngitis, scarlet fever, skin and soft tissue infections (pyoderma, cellulitis, perianal dermatitis, necrotising fasciitis) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are described.

DIAGNOSIS OF GAS INFECTIONS

The way of setting the diagnosis including epidemiological data, clinical features and the course of illness, laboratory findings and supportive diagnostic methods are represented in the article.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

The most important clinical entities which should be discussed in differential diagnosis of diseases caused by pyogenic streptococci are listed.

TREATMENT OF GAS INFECTIONS

The major principles of etiologic treatment through widely accepted strategies related to first choice antibiotics and alternatives are reviewed.