| Summary: | <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i>, <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i> and <i>Streptococcus dysgalactiae</i> subsp. <i>equisimilis</i> (<i>SDSE</i>) are the beta-hemolytic streptococci species with the most clinical relevance to humans. These species are responsible for several infections, ranging from mild to life-threatening diseases. Although resistance to recommended drugs has not been so critical as detected in other species, it has occurred in diverse regions. In Brazil, it is possible to observe an increasing macrolide and lincosamide resistance trend due to the spread of polyclonal strains. Macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B (MLS) resistance phenotypes have been prevalent among <i>S.</i> <i>agalactiae</i> and <i>S.</i> <i>pyogenes</i>, while M phenotype (resistance only to macrolides) has prevailed among <i>SDSE</i> resistant isolates. Fluoroquinolone resistance is rare in this country, reported only in <i>S.</i><i>agalactiae</i> and <i>S.</i><i>pyogenes</i>. This is due to nucleotide substitutions in <i>gyrA</i> and <i>parC</i> genes. Reduced penicillin susceptibility and vancomycin resistance, detected in other regions, have not yet been reported in Brazil. Tetracycline is not a therapeutical option, and resistance has occurred at high levels, especially among <i>S.</i><i>agalactiae</i>. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring in order to track the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance among beta-hemolytic streptococci species circulating in this country.
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