An Overview of the Susceptibility Testing of Pharyngeal Group A Streptococcus Pyogenes

Abstract

Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), a β-hemolytic Gram-positive bacterium, is one of the most significant human pathogens globally. It is the primary causative agent of bacterial pharyngitis, a common condition that affects millions of individuals annually, particularly children aged 5–15 years. GAS pharyngitis accounts for approximately 20–30% of sore throat cases in pediatric populations and 5–15% in adults [1]. The clinical relevance of GAS infections extends beyond the acute illness, as untreated or inadequately treated pharyngitis can lead to immune-mediated complications such as acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, all of which pose substantial public health burdens, particularly in low-resource settings [2,3].