[Invasive Streptococcal infections - an interdisciplinary challenge].

History And Clinical Findings:  We report on a 34-year-old female patient and a 50-year-old male patient, both of whom were admitted to our emergency department with severe septic conditions.

Medical Examinations:  Both patients were resuscitated and exhibited clinical as well as laboratory evidence of a severe bacterial infection.

Diagnosis:  Both patients had an invasive infection with Group A Streptococcus. The female patient had a Streptococcal sepsis with severe pneumonia, while the male patient had a Streptococcus-induced necrotizing fasciitis of the upper extremity.

Therapy And Course:  While the female patient unfortunately died in the emergency department`s resuscitation room despite all intensive medical treatments, the male patient survived after prompt surgical therapy and an extended stay in the intensive care unit.

Conclusion:  Patients with invasive infections caused by Group A Streptococcus can deteriorate rapidly clinically. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of often interdisciplinary treatment are important. Nevertheless, these conditions can be fatal.