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Gram positive cocci in chains, beta-hemolytic
Reservoir is human skin and oropharynx/mucous membranes, colonizes 10% in pharynx, more commonly children
Person-to-person transmission, occasionally foodborne
Most common manifestations tonsillopharyngitis ("strep throat") and skin infections (impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis).
Invasive infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis, toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, and other sterile space infections.
Post-infectious immunologically mediated phenomena such as glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.
Scarlet fever and others.
Contact and droplet precautions for INVASIVE disease for the first 24hrs of antimicrobial therapy or after last debridement, otherwise no precautions.
Invasive disease is notifiable - call Public Health and Infectious Disease.
Post-exposure prophylaxis may be indicated.