Diagnosis and treatment of invasive group A streptococcal infections

Abstract

Invasive group A streptococcal infections are serious infections that carry a high mortality. The aim was to review current methods of diagnosis and treatment of invasive group A streptococcal infections as well as to provide background on the pathogenesis and epidemiology of these infections. The most recent literature regarding pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of invasive group A streptococcal infections is reviewed. The incidence of invasive group A streptococcal infections in industrialised countries is in the order of 3 per 100,000, whereas in developing countries available evidence suggests that the incidence is several-fold higher. Management of invasive group A streptococcal infections includes supportive care, surgical debridement of necrotic tissue, correct use of antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin and contact prophylaxis. Recent studies suggest that the early use of intravenous immunoglobulin may reduce the need for radical debridement of tissue in cases of necrotising fasciitis.