[Streptococcal disease: a current problem in public health]

The high priority and prevalence of streptococcal diseases and complications, particularly among children and young adults, is emphasized. The attention is focused on group A and B streptococci and on the need to develop the laboratory diagnosis of streptococcal diseases as the basis for the development of their epidemiology and prevention. The literature data and the author's own reports concerning streptococcal cells, their antigens, receptors, and intracellular products are reviewed. Based on this, the following major aspects are discussed: the mechanism of streptococcal adhesion, the role played by immunoglobulin Fc-receptors and anti-immunoglobulins in the genesis of post-streptococcal complications; the genetics of streptococcal cell and, in the first instance, of its pathogenicity. Streptococcus is also viewed as an object of genetic engineering and biotechnology. The required minimal approaches to the microbe and its antigen identification are analysed. Recent 12-15 years' research findings are generalized.