Does group A strep have any skin in the ARF game?

• The observation that indigenous populations of New Zealand have high rates of GAS skin infections as well as high rates of ARF suggest the two diseases are linked. • It is therefore important to screen skin infections for GAS in all populations but especially in individuals of Māori and Pacific Islander heritage in New Zealand and treat those that are positive. • Failure to adequately treat GAS skin infections could potentially lead more serious skin infection manifestations and possibly invasive disease as well as ARF in vulnerable groups such as the Māroi and Pacific Islanders. • More work needs to be done to show GAS skin infections can lead to ARF.