Antibiotics Used to Treat Streptococcus pyogenes Infections

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) remains a globally significant human pathogen responsible for hundreds of millions of infections annually. Pharyngitis alone accounts for an estimated 616 million cases per year, with invasive disease causing more than 500,000 deaths worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Antibiotic therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment, with penicillin maintaining its status as the drug of choice after more than 70 years of clinical use and with no documented resistance.

Conclusion: This mini review summarizes current antibiotic therapies for GAS, highlighting mechanisms of action, clinical applications, resistance patterns, global treatment guidelines, and recent developments between 2020 and 2025. Comparative and statistical data are provided on antibiotic efficacy, regional resistance rates, short-course versus standard regimens, and diagnostic advances. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based therapy to reduce complications such as rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.