Group A Streptococcus and invasive GAS disease
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the common name for the bacteria
Streptococcus pyogenes. People often carry GAS in their throat or on their skin without any
symptoms of illness.
GAS usually causes mild illnesses such as sore throat (‘strep
throat’) or skin infections such as cellulitis or impetigo.
Sometimes, GAS can cause serious
life-threatening disease known as ‘invasive GAS’ (iGAS) disease. This is when the bacteria
get into parts of the body where it is not usually found, such as in the blood, lungs, and muscles.
GAS is spread through contact with droplets or discharges from the nose and
throat of an infected person (via coughing, sneezing or kissing), and through direct skin contact with
wounds or sores of an infected person.
Most people who have close contact with someone with GAS remain well.
What is invasive Group A streptococcal disease (iGAS)?
iGAS disease can be serious and life-threatening. This is when the GAS bacteria get into parts of the body where it is not usually found, such as in the blood, lungs, and muscles.
iGAS disease includes bacteraemia (infection of the blood), pneumonia (infection of the lung), septic arthritis (infection of the joint) and in rare circumstances, necrotizing fasciitis (‘flesh eating disease’) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). People with iGAS are usually treated in the hospital.
Who is at risk of iGAS infections?
People most at risk of iGAS include those who have been in contact with iGAS in the past 30 days including newborn babies and their mothers, infants, elderly people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who are immunocompromised (eg. people who are on chemotherapy or steroids) or have a chronic disease (eg. diabetes). iGAS infection can also occur in previously healthy people.
Am I at risk if I have had close contact with a person with iGAS?
Most people who have close contact with a person with iGAS remain well and symptom-free. Some people may develop mild throat or skin infections which can easily be treated by your GP.
Treatment of a person with iGAS with an appropriate antibiotic for 24 hours or longer removes their ability to spread the bacteria.
What are the signs and symptoms of iGAS?
A person with iGAS disease can become very ill within 12-24 hours. Therefore, people with signs and symptoms of serious disease should seek medical advice urgently. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash or red warm painful area around a wound site
- Severe limb pain or muscle aches
How is iGAS diagnosed?
iGAS is diagnosed by detection of the bacteria from a part of the body where the bacteria is not usually found, such as the blood, muscle, and lungs.
How is iGAS treated?
Antibiotics are used to treat iGAS.
How can the spread of GAS or iGAS be prevented?
The best way to prevent GAS infection or iGAS infection is by washing your hands with soap and water often, especially after sneezing or coughing. Keep wounds clean and covered until they are healed.
Contacts of a person with iGAS should seek medical advice urgently if they develop any symptoms of iGAS within 30 days. They should tell the doctor that they have been in contact with someone recently diagnosed with iGAS.
Is there a vaccine to protect against iGAS?
There is no vaccine available to protect against iGAS.
Is there a vaccine to protect against iGAS?
There is no vaccine available to protect against iGAS.
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Information about a service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace professional advice. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified professional for answers to their questions.