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.