[Streptococcal infection: variants and morphological manifestations].

82 cases of streptococcal infection (SI) in children who died in 1977-1985 are studied. Higher incidence of SI in children particularly in those who died at home is emphasized. As a rule, the proper diagnosis was not established clinically. By manifestations the observations were divided into two groups: 1) SI with a pronounced generalization including a pharyngeal one (31 cases), 4 of them with a rash (scarlet fever); extrapharyngeal (7 cases), 6 of them with a rash (scarlet fever); 2) SI without pronounced generalization (localized) including 33 cases with the involvement of the lungs and tonsilla and having an ordinary course and 11 cases of a sudden death. SI structural manifestations involved development of necrotic or purulent-necrotic inflammation of a various degree in the area of the primary focus, regional lymph nodes as well as in the foci resulting from lymphohaematogenic and intracanalicular dissemination. The first symptoms of the septic process could be found even in case of death during the first day of the disease. The role of viral respiratory infection being the background for the SI development, especially for its pharyngeal variant and lung affection, is shown. The significance of thymomegaly and adrenal hypoplasia in the development of a sudden death is revealed.