Many streptococci have virulence factors that cause sometimes severe inflammation, resulting in organ or tissue damage. The most common strep infections are caused by Streptococcus pyogenes – group A strep (GBA) – and occur in throat infections (‘strep throat’) and skin infections. Other infections include ear infections, sinusitis, and abscesses, to very serious infections such as sepsis and pneumonia.
Group B strep – Streptococcus agalactiae – is often found in the vaginal tract as a harmless commensal species, but it can cause issues in newborns if passed on. GBS can also cause significant vaginal symptoms in some cases.
