- Characteristics
- Description
Group A Streptococci are represented by the single species Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the most common bacterial cause of sore throats, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis. Infections caused by Group A Streptococcus can also be accompanied by moderate skin manifestations along with throat pain, and can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions such as toxic shock syndrome (multiple organ damage) and necrotizing fasciitis (soft tissue disease). The exotoxins and enzymes produced by Group A Streptococci exert local and systemic toxic effects and facilitate the spread of infection within the body. Virulence factors include streptolysin S and streptolysin O, which damage cell membranes and cause hemolysis, as well as streptokinase, deoxyribonuclease, proteases, and erythrogenic toxins types A, B, and C.