[Group A streptococcal pneumonia].

Group A betahemolytic streptococcus may cause a severe pneumonia that is accompanied by septic shock and multiorgan failure. The disease is rare and may develop slowly and thus the diagnosis and the most efficient treatment may be delayed. We describe two children and two adults with pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome caused by group A streptococci. All patients needed ventilator treatment. In addition to other antibiotics clindamycin, that restrains toxin production by group A streptococci, was administered to three of the patients. All patients had a full recovery, but one patient developed optic neuropathy and lost his vision.