[Clinical manifestations caused by group A streptococci]

We describe the symptomatology of different disease entities caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes, GAS). The case histories of four patients, two of whom died, emphasize the severity of certain clinical manifestations of GAS-infections. A 34 year-old woman was admitted to hospital four days after start of the symptoms. She presented a clinical picture very similar to that observed in fulminant meningococcal septicaemia; i.e. extensive skin haemorrhages, circulatory collapse, and multiple organ failure. She died within 12 hours of admission. GAS were isolated in blood culture. A seven day-old girl died before admission to hospital. GAS were isolated in blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid and from her nose and throat. An eight year-old, psychomotoric retarded girl developed a severe left-sided pneumonia, empyema and scarlatina. GAS were detected in throat culture. She responded poorly to high doses of benzylpenicillin given intravenously. She recovered rapidly after thoracotomy and decortication of her left lung. Finally, we describe the case of an 11 year-old boy with rheumatic fever without cardiac involvement. The reported cases underline the need for careful diagnosis and penicillin treatment in cases of GAS-infections.