Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections

Abstract

Several reports during the past decade have suggested that there has been an increase in the number of serious invasive streptococcal infections, with or without shock. The common routes of entry for beta-hemolytic streptococci (mainly group A) are the nasopharynx, surgical wounds, and the skin¹⁴; however, in many patients the portal of entry cannot be ascertained. Various factors have been suggested to explain the apparent increase in invasive streptococcal infections, including the spread of a more virulent clone, higher numbers of patients with conditions that interfere with the immune system, and changes such as alterations in patterns of . . .