Streptococcal pharyngitis is among the most common bacterial infections, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Here we investigate the interactions among three major players in streptococcal pharyngitis: streptococci, plasma, and saliva. We find that saliva activates the plasma coagulation system through both the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathways, entrapping the bac...

Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) causes a variety of diseases, from benign self-limiting infections the skin or throat to lethal soft tissue accompanied by multi-organ failure. GAS is one significant species among Gram-positive pathogens which responsible for several suppurative and non-suppurative sequelae. They also cause pharyngitis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), n...