[Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal sepsis in childhood]

One of two children admitted with septicemia due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus died following a very fulminant course. This organism may cause overwhelming disease in newborn infants, as well as in children with diseases which compromise the immune system. Group A streptococcus, though very sensitive to penicillin, can cause severe and rapidly progressive illness even in previously normal children, unless recognized and treated promptly.