Group A Streptococcus
Bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin
Overview
Group A Streptococcus (GAS), also known as Streptococcus pyogenes, is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin. People may carry GAS in the throat or on the skin and have no symptoms or illness. Most GAS infections are relatively mild illnesses, like "strep throat" or impetigo (a skin infection). A small proportion of people may get a serious or life-threatening infection with GAS.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Strep Type A can present with various symptoms depending on the form of infection. For the most up-to-date guidance on symptoms and diagnosis, visit the CDC's website: https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/hcp/index.html
Treatment
Many antibiotics can be used to treat GAS. Your doctor will choose which ones are best for the kind of infection you have. For necrotizing fasciitis, sometimes surgery is necessary to remove infected tissue.
Prevention
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, especially after coughing, sneezing, or before eating or preparing food. Encourage others to do the same.
If someone has a sore throat, they should see a doctor to check for strep throat. Stay home from work, school, or daycare until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Keep wounds clean and watch for redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage. If a wound looks infected, seek medical care immediately.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is GAS?
Millions of people in the U.S. get mild GAS infections, like strep throat, each year. The CDC estimates 11,000 to 13,000 cases of invasive GAS happen annually, with 1,100 to 1,600 deaths from these serious infections.
In Alaska, only invasive GAS infections must be reported, so the number of mild cases is unknown. On average, there are 60 to 90 cases of invasive GAS in Alaska each year.
What are emm types?
emm types are different molecular subtypes of GAS. There are over 200 emm types. Some types are more common than others, and some are associated with certain kinds of disease. However, they are all still GAS.
How are Group A Streptococci spread?
People sick with Group A Strep (GAS), like those with strep throat or skin infections, are more likely to spread it than those who carry the bacteria but aren’t sick. GAS spreads in different ways. People with GAS in their throat spread it by coughing, sneezing, or sharing drinks and utensils. Others can get infected by touching droplets or contaminated items. GAS on the skin spreads through direct contact.
How can I protect myself from GAS?
It is not necessary for everyone exposed to someone with a GAS infection to take antibiotics. However, in some situations, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. This decision should be made after talking to your doctor.
What kinds of diseases are caused by GAS?
Most Group A Strep (GAS) infections, like strep throat or impetigo, are mild. Rarely, GAS causes serious infections called "invasive Group A Strep," which include:
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition where bacteria infect the blood, causing a severe immune reaction
- Necrotizing fasciitis: A serious infection where bacteria destroy muscles and fat under the skin, often starting as a skin infection
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS): A condition where GAS toxins cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to organ failure
Who is at risk for serious GAS disease?
Few people who come in contact with GAS will develop invasive disease. Serious GAS disease most often occurs in:
- People with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic heart or lung disease
- The elderly and newborns
- People who have a history of alcohol abuse
- People who have a history of injection drug abuse
- Have skin wounds or lesions, such as those with cuts, chicken pox, or surgical wounds
- People with other immune-compromising conditions