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Unlabelled: Streptococcus pyogenes (SP) is a common bacterial pathogen. For the past two decades, several studies have reported an increase in the severity and the incidence of SP infections., Case: a 60-year-old female admitted to the hospital with tonsillitis acuta verified by strep-A test was initially treated with V-penicillin, but developed septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and treatment was changed to cefuroxime and clindamycin. She recovered fully. This case combined with other studies illustrates that SP infections have become more severe. Clindamycin should be added to penicillin for the treatment of invasive SP infections.

The discovery of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enables the detection of just a few target gene copies present in almost every kind of tissue. The PCR technique uses two separated specific DNA-sequences for identification of a desired genetic sequence. This identification is followed by an almost unlimited production of the specific target gene sequence by a heat stable DNA-polymerase. The PCR technique will revolutionize several diagnostic areas, and especially the identification of virus, fungi and slowly growing bacteria will benefit from this new genetic technology. The impressive sensitivity is, however, the greatest pitfall of the technique, as just a few contaminating DNA fragments can initiate a false positive result. Great care is therefore needed when designing a PCR laboratory, as well as high demands upon the motivation and technical skills of the personnel involved. PCR is so far limited to research, but is expected to be released for routine diagnostic purposes in 1993.