What is Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep)?

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) causes pharyngitis, scarlet fever and skin infections and can trigger post-infectious rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.

It spreads by droplets and direct contact. Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) and anti-DNase B serology, plus M-protein and streptolysin antigens, support diagnosis and sequelae research.

Transmission & symptoms

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) causes pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo and invasive disease, and can trigger post-infectious acute rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. It spreads by droplets and direct contact.

Diagnosis & serology

Recent infection is inferred serologically from rising anti-streptolysin O (ASO) and anti-DNase B titres, measured by ELISA/nephelometry. The M protein defines strain types.

Research applications

Research tools cover streptococcal virulence factors (M protein, streptolysins), host-plasma protein recruitment (plasminogen, fibrinogen), CD46 engagement and the immune responses linked to post-streptococcal sequelae.