A<unk>  is an infection with<unk>  A streptococcus (GAS). Streptococcus pyogenes comprises the vast majority of the Lancefield<unk>  A streptococci, and is often used as a synonym for GAS. However, S. dysgalactiae can also be<unk>  A. S. pyogenes is a beta-hemolytic species of Gram positive bacteria that is responsible for a wide range of both invasive and noninvasive infections. Infection of GAS may spread through direct contact with mucus or sores on the skin. GAS infections can cause over 500,000 deaths per year. Despite the emergence of antibiotics as a treatment for<unk>  A β-hemolytic streptococcus, infection of GAS is an increasing problem, particularly on the continent of Africa. There are many other types of streptococci (species of Streptococcus), including<unk>  B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which cause other types of infections and should not be confused with<unk>  A strep. Several virulence factors contribute to the pathogenesis of GAS, such as M protein, hemolysins, and extracellular enzymes.
Group A streptococcal infection
Group B streptococcal infection
Side effects of penicillin
Pneumococcal infection
Staphylococcal infection
Periodic fever syndrome
Streptococcal pharyngitis
Sulfonamide hypersensitivity syndrome