OBJECTIVES: To review the main diseases caused by the different strains of streptococcus, and to discuss the practical aspects of clinical diagnosis and the range of therapeutic treatments. METHODOLOGY: A review of the literature and a selection of the most meaningful themes for the pediatricians. RESULTS: The majority of the streptococcus described here are susceptible and have sensibility to penicillin. Different kinds of treatments aim at a better support to the offered scheme, including smaller amounts of doses per day, short-lived treatment and lowcost. CONCLUSION: Streptococcus infections are very frequently seen in the pediatrician's office. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis, and if possible a more simplified therapeutic treatment.