An infection of the throat with STREPTOCOCCUS bacteria: it is most common in children and symptoms range from minor discomfort to sore throat, fever, general malaise and enlarged LYMPH nodes in the neck. The body's immune response to the bacterium can result in certain other conditions developing after a week or two, including RHEUMATIC FEVER, GLOMERULONEPHRITIS or REACTIVE ARTHRITIS. PENICILLIN is the treatment of choice.