Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease

Infections that are caused when Group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria reach the blood, deep muscle and fat tissue, the lungs or other parts of the body in which they are usually not found, usually through a sore, wound or other break in the skin. Two of the most severe forms of the disease are necrotizing fasciitis, a destructive infection of the muscle and fat tissue and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a rapidly progressing infection which causes shock and injury to the internal organs such as the kidneys, liver and lungs. Symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis include fever, severe pain and swelling, and redness at the wound site. Symptoms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome include fever, dizziness, confusion, diffuse red rash and abdominal pain.