Streptococcal A infection: reemerging and virulent.

Streptococcal A infections are reemerging as a dangerous clinical problem. This particular infection is usually a problem for the postpartum mother and not usually associated with fetal or neonatal infections. Maternal morbidity and mortality are overwhelming when compared with other maternal infections. Historically, group A streptococcus was the cause of epidemic postpartum sepsis prior to the advent of proper hand-washing techniques. Currently, transmission can occur directly from a colonized healthcare provider, other patients, or a community-acquired source. The Joint Commission and the International Surviving Sepsis Campaign have placed patient safety and early recognition and treatment of sepsis as major initiatives to improving patient outcomes.