CLINICAL DESCRIPTION
Invasive Group A streptococcal infections may manifest as any of several clinical syndromes, including pneumonia, bacteremia in association with cutaneous infection (e.g. cellulitis, erysipelas, or infection of a surgical or nonsurgical wound), deep soft tissue infection (e.g. myositis or necrotizing fasciitis), meningitis, peritonitis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, postpartum sepsis, neonatal sepsis, and nonfocal bacteremia. The incubation period is short, usually 1 to 3 days.

See also Streptococcal Toxic-Shock Syndrome.

CASE CLASSIFICATION

1. CONFIRMED
   
   Isolation of Group A Streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes) from a normally sterile site (e.g. blood or CSF, or less commonly joint, pleural or pericardial fluid).
   
   
2. PROBABLE
   
   Clinically compatible case that is epidemiologically linked to a confirmed case.
   
   
3. POSSIBLE
   
   Not used

NOTE Isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes are to be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Public Health and Environmental Laboratories, P.O. Box 361, John Fitch Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08625-0361.