Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection in children

What you need to knowGroup A beta-haemolytic streptococcal (GAS) infections, including pharyngitis and more complex invasive infections, can be difficult to diagnose clinicallyIn December 2022, rates of invasive infection in the UK increased substantially, with a high number of children presenting with empyemaSuspect invasive infection, including necrotising fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome, in any child who is unwell and presents with severe or disproportionate pain in the setting of recent varicella zoster virus or GAS infectionA 5 year old girl presents to her GP with a three day history of fever up to 39°C, sore throat, myalgia, headache, lack of appetite, and lethargy. When afebrile, her observations are within normal limits. On examination, both tonsils are red, inflamed, and have exudate. The child’s parents work in healthcare, and have a recent history of sore throats that were not medically treated. A clinical diagnosis of suspected streptococcal pharyngitis is made…
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