Streptococcal infection What we need to know

A streptococcal infection develops when group A streptococcus enters the body. Group A strep infection is contagious and spreads easily. In most cases, infectious processes of the skin and throat take place.

Most streptococcal infections are characterized by a course of moderate severity, however, life-threatening complications develop in untreated cases.

Diseases caused by group A streptococcus are:

• Tonsillo-pharyngitis
• Kunthrusha
• Impetigo
• Rheumatic fever
• Endocarditis
• Cellulite
• toxic shock
• Chorea
• etc

Streptococcal infection can develop in any person, because the bacterium is easily spread by contact and air-drop ways. An infected person is contagious during the period of symptoms.

Kunthrusha

It is an ongoing disease with rashes on the skin and respiratory complaints. It starts with fever and sore throat, followed by a skin rash in the following days.

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Tonsillo-pharyngitis

It begins with a severe sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the neck and submandibular lymph nodes.

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Impetigo

It is an infectious skin disease that occurs in younger children. Both group A streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus can cause impetigo.

Streptococcal skin lesions are characterized by the formation of reddish nodules, which are localized mainly around the nose and mouth and on the extremities. The surface of the nodules becomes ulcerated and emits a purulent exudate, contact with which creates a risk of spreading the disease.

Rheumatic fever and chorea

Acute rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that affects the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. Rheumatic fever is the result of improper treatment of streptococcal infection. The disease progresses with arthritis, heart failure and chorea. It is important to eliminate streptococcal infection and symptomatic treatment.

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Cellulite

Cellulitis is an inflammatory disease of the deep layers of the skin. It can be caused by various bacteria, including streptococcus. Cellulitis develops as a result of the spread of an infectious process on the surface of the skin.

Symptoms include swelling, redness and pain in the affected area of ​​the skin. Cellulite can develop in any person, but people with excess weight and lymphedema belong to the risk group.

toxic shock

Streptococcal toxic shock develops as a result of the spread of infection in the internal organs and blood stream - sepsis. At the beginning, there is a high fever with chills, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. 24-48 hours after the first symptoms develop:

Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

tachypnea (increased breathing)

Polyorgan failure

Anyone can develop the disease, but diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, surgery, and compromised immune status increase the risk of developing toxic shock.

Symptoms of streptococcal infection

Symptoms of streptococcal infection depend on the developed disease:

• Severe throat pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Petechiae (small red spots) on the mouth and skin
• Tonsil enlargement and pain
• stomach-ache
• Skin peeling and itching

In case of complication of the condition:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• high fever
• Large skin lesions or dark spots
• Nausea-vomiting
• Change in skin color
• Skin swelling and hyperemia

Diagnosis

The gold standard for detecting streptococcal infections is the rapid streptococcal antigen test. In addition, other laboratory studies are conducted to assess the course of the disease and determine treatment:

• General blood test
• Eds
• Rapid strep test
• Bacteriology of throat smear
• Additional tests for rheumatological and cardiological disorders

Treatment

Streptococcal infection is treated with antibiotics of the penicillin group, the dosage and duration of which is determined by the attending physician.

In case of complications, it is necessary to consult a specialist and carry out appropriate treatment.

Prevention

There is no vaccination to prevent group A streptococcal infections. Maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding close contact with a sick person are possible options for prevention.

Rheumatoid arthritis 

to diagnose streptococcal infections and related diseases, "Synevo" We offer:

Health care starts with accurate analyzes

Resources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5911-group-a-streptococcal-infections

https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/index.html

n.manjaparashvili@synevo.ge