Severe community acquired pneumonia associated with a desquamating rash due to group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus.

In recent years frequent and severe infections due to group A beta-haemolytic streptococci have been recognised with increasing frequency. Group A streptococcal pneumonia remains a rare disease occurring sporadically in contrast to epidemics in the past. The association between group A streptococcal pneumonia and a desquamating skin rash typical of scarlet fever has rarely been reported.