The Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus is a form of β-hemolytic Streptococcus bacteria. It is a gram positive bacteriaum responsible for a wide range of both invasive and non-invasive infections. The name derives from the Greek word ‘streptos,’ meaning ‘twisted chain,’ due to the fact that the bacterium resembles a string of small pearls when viewed under the microscope. Infection of GAS may spread through direct contact with mucus or sores on the skin.
