Final answer:
If untreated, Group A strep infection can lead to scarlet fever, which presents with a rash and strawberry tongue, or rheumatic fever, which can progress to serious heart issues. Other options provided, like hemorrhagic fever and pneumococcal pneumonia, are not related to Group A strep infections. The correct answer is option A
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the possible complications that may arise if Group A Streptococci (GAS), specifically Streptococcus pyogenes infection, is left untreated. Among the options provided, untreated Group A strep can develop into scarlet fever characterized by a fine red rash and 'strawberry tongue', as well as rheumatic fever, a serious disease that can lead to rheumatic heart disease affecting the circulatory system. Rheumatic fever is a non-suppurative sequela that manifests after an inadequately treated episode of pharyngitis caused by Group A strep, whereas scarlet fever results from a toxin produced by certain strains of the bacteria.
It is important to note that other options like hemorrhagic fever and pneumococcal pneumonia are not caused by Group A streptococcal infections. Hemorrhagic fever is caused by different families of viruses, not bacteria, and pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a different species of bacteria. Therefore, the correct answers to the question, if a patient's group A strep remains untreated, it can develop into: are A. scarlet fever and B. rheumatic fever.