Invasive group a streptococcal infection

SERIOUS group A streptococcal infections (Streptococcus pyogenes) have notably increased since the mid-1980s. These infections are often rapidly progressive and associated with substantial morbidity and mortality despite prompt and aggressive therapy. In the past, the disease was often limited to the very young or elderly, those with chronic underlying diseases; and those receiving corticosteroids. Streptococcal infections have recently been reported in populations of otherwise healthy young adults. Although the population of patients seen at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center differs from the typical population affected by this disease, prompt recognition of variations of disease processes often presenting more aggressively is the key in successful treatment response and subsequent survival.