Abstract
The severity of streptococcal infections depends upon different pathogenicity of individual strains of its causative agent.The most important species are beta-haemolytic group A streptococci.Clinical manifestations include skin affections, respiratory tract infections and, in particular, serious systemic invasive infections. In most cases, soft tissue infections dominate, often accompanied by chronic diseases of lower extremities in elderly patients.The other clinical forms are rather rare.
In children, the condition is frequently related to chickenpox.The generally accepted therapeutic management comprises comprehensive intensive care, early administration of penicillin in combination with clindamycin, and surgical intervention.The use of IVIG, elimination methods and hyperbaric oxygen are under discussion.The slight increase in cases and ineffective prevention require rapid assessment of diagnosis and adequate treatment as a protracted course of the condition is connected with a high mortality rate.