Streptococcal Disease

Streptococcal disease is caused by streptococci, a genus of Gram-positive bacteria which cause diverse human diseases.

Streptococcal infections can be common, and typically cause minor problems. However, many of these species of bacteria have the potential to cause invasive infection resulting from the presence of bacteria in a normally sterile site.

• Group A Streptococcus (GAS)
  Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a bacteria that is often found in the throat and on the skin of people. GAS is most often associated with “strep throat” and impetigo (blisters on the skin). On rare occasions, GAS can cause severe, life-threatening illness like toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating disease).
  About GAS | GAS Statistics | GAS For Long Term Care Facilities
• Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
  Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacteria that causes illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with chronic illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. GBS is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns.
  GBS Basics for Adults | GBS Basics for Pregnant Women and Infants | GBS For Health Professionals | GBS Statistics
• Pneumococcal Disease (Streptococcus pneumoniae)
  The Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria kills more people in the United States each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. Treating pneumococcal infections with penicillin and other antibiotics used to be effective, but the disease is becoming more and more resistant to antibiotic treatment, making immunization increasingly important. There are more than 90 known strains of pneumococcal disease, and two different vaccines, often called "pneumonia shots," that help combat pneumococcal disease.
  Pneumococcal Disease Basics| Pneumococcal Information For Health Professionals | Pneumococcal Disease Statistics
• Reporting Streptococcal Disease
  Health professionals and other care providers must report all invasive Streptococcal disease caused by Groups A and B Streptococci and S. pneumoniae (including urine-antigen pneumonia) to MDH within one working day.