Summary about Disease
Streptococcal infections are a group of illnesses caused by Streptococcus bacteria. These bacteria are common and can cause a wide range of infections, from mild throat infections (strep throat) to more serious conditions like skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. Severity depends on the specific type of Streptococcus bacteria involved and the location of the infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection. Common symptoms include:
Strep throat: Sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or pus, headache, body aches.
Skin infections (Impetigo, Cellulitis): Red, swollen, painful skin; sores or blisters; pus-filled lesions.
Scarlet Fever: Strep throat symptoms plus a red, sandpaper-like rash and a bright red tongue.
Pneumonia: Cough, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath.
Invasive infections (e.g., Necrotizing fasciitis): Severe pain, swelling, fever, chills, rapid spread of infection.
Causes
Streptococcal infections are caused by bacteria belonging to the Streptococcus genus. Different species within this genus cause different illnesses. Group A *Streptococcus* (GAS) is a common cause of strep throat and skin infections. Group B *Streptococcus* (GBS) can cause infections in newborns. The bacteria spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing) or with infected wounds or sores.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for streptococcal infections. Common antibiotics include:
Penicillin: Often the first-line treatment for strep throat.
Amoxicillin: Another common antibiotic for strep throat.
Cephalexin: An alternative for people allergic to penicillin.
Azithromycin or Clarithromycin: Macrolide antibiotics used for those with penicillin allergies, but resistance is a concern.
Vancomycin or Clindamycin: Used for severe or invasive infections.
Is Communicable
Yes, streptococcal infections are communicable (contagious). They spread through:
Respiratory droplets: Coughing, sneezing, or talking close to someone.
Direct contact: Touching infected sores or wounds.
Sharing personal items: Rarely, sharing contaminated items can spread infection.
Precautions
To prevent the spread of streptococcal infections:
Wash hands frequently: Especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
Cover your mouth and nose: When coughing or sneezing.
Avoid sharing personal items: Such as utensils, cups, and towels.
Stay home when sick: To avoid spreading the infection to others.
Complete the full course of antibiotics: If prescribed, to prevent antibiotic resistance and recurrence.
Clean and cover wounds: To prevent skin infections.
How long does an outbreak last?
Without treatment, strep throat symptoms can last for a week or more. With antibiotic treatment, symptoms usually start to improve within 24-48 hours, and the person is generally no longer contagious after 24 hours of starting antibiotics. Skin infections also resolve within a week or two with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Physical Exam: A doctor will examine the throat and look for signs of infection.
Rapid Strep Test: A quick test performed in the doctor's office that detects GAS in the throat.
Throat Culture: A swab of the throat is sent to a lab to grow bacteria and confirm the presence of Streptococcus.
Blood Tests: May be used for more severe infections to assess the extent of the infection.
Skin Culture: For skin infections, a sample of the infected area may be cultured.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline can vary, but generally:
Incubation Period: 1-3 days between exposure and the onset of symptoms for strep throat.
Initial Symptoms: Sore throat, fever, headache (often appearing suddenly).
Progression: Symptoms worsen over the next 24-48 hours.
Treatment: Antibiotics lead to improvement within 24-48 hours.
Resolution: Symptoms typically resolve within a week with treatment. Untreated infections can last longer and potentially lead to complications.
Important Considerations
Complications: Untreated strep throat can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart) and kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis).
Antibiotic Resistance: Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance. It's important to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor and to complete the full course of treatment.
Recurrent Infections: Some people are more prone to recurrent strep throat infections. If this is the case, discuss preventive measures with your doctor.
Group B Strep in Pregnancy: Pregnant women are routinely screened for GBS, as it can cause serious infections in newborns. If positive, antibiotics are given during labor to protect the baby.
Seek medical advice if you suspect you have a strep infection to get proper diagnosis and treatment