Streptococcal infections
Streptococcal infections are caused by bacteria from the Streptococcus genus and can affect various parts of the body, including the throat, skin, and circulatory system. Common types of streptococcal infections include strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, cellulitis, rheumatic fever, and necrotizing fasciitis, with symptoms varying based on the specific infection. Group A streptococci are typically responsible for infections such as strep throat and skin lesions, while Group B streptococci primarily affect newborns and pregnant women, leading to severe conditions like neonatal meningitis and sepsis.
Treatment often involves antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporins, and maintaining good hygiene is crucial for prevention. In certain cases, particularly severe infections like toxic shock syndrome, immediate medical attention is necessary. Screening and antibiotic administration during labor can help protect newborns from Group B streptococcal infections. Understanding the symptoms and risks associated with streptococcal infections is important for effective management and prevention strategies.
Streptococcal infections
ALSO KNOWN AS: Strep infections
ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Arms, back, chest, circulatory system, ears, feet, genitals, hands, heart, joints, legs, muscles, neck, skin, throat
DEFINITION: Infections caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Streptococcus, such as strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, cellulitis, rheumatic fever, and necrotizing fasciitis
CAUSES: Bacterial infection with streptococci
SYMPTOMS: Depends on type; may include sore throat, otitis media, sinusitis, tonsillitis, impetigo, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, toxic shock syndrome
DURATION: Acute
TREATMENTS: Depends on type; may include antibiotics (penicillin, cephalosporins), prevention through good hygiene and wound cleansing, emergency care if severe
Causes and Symptoms
Among the many bacteria that belong to the Streptococcus, two groups are distinguished for their pathogenicity, the group A streptococci and the group B streptococci. Group A streptococci, common pathogens found in the throat and skin, cause a variety of symptoms in the body, ranging from skin lesions and to severe, life-threatening infections. The most common infection caused by the group A streptococci is a sore throat commonly known as strep throat. If untreated, the disease may spread to involve other organs, causing media, sinusitis, or tonsillitis. Some children may exhibit later sequelae such as rheumatic fever, and organs such as the heart and joints may be involved. Scarlet fever is another manifestation, with a that starts on the face and moves downward. Group A streptococci can also affect the skin and cause impetigo (yellow-crusted, pus-filled lesions), cellulitis, and even infection with the dreaded “flesh-eating bacteria,” necrotizing fasciitis. These have also been implicated in toxic shock syndrome, previously thought to be caused only by Staphylococcus bacteria.
Group B streptococci, on the other hand, cause mostly severe diseases and mainly affect newborns and pregnant women. These bacteria, found in the genital and intestinal tracts of 20 to 35 percent of healthy adults, can infect a newborn during the birth process. They are the most common cause of neonatal and and are a cause of neonatal death. Group B streptococci also affect pregnant women and can cause amnionitis, urinary tract infections, and stillbirth. They have also been implicated in causing disease in the elderly and in adults with chronic medical conditions.
Treatment and Therapy
Strep throat is diagnosed readily in the clinic by a rapid strep test and can be treated easily with common antibiotics, such as penicillin or cephalosporins. Prevention is the key to avoiding complications of the disease. Maintenance of (such as washing one's hands after sneezing or coughing), visiting a doctor to rule out streptococcal disease in cases of severe sore throat, and taking any antibiotics prescribed should keep complications at bay. Keeping all clean should prevent the occurrence of skin infections. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is an emergency siuation and requires hospitalized care.
Pregnant women should be screened for group B streptococci, and antibiotics are administered during labor to women who are carriers of these bacteria. This practice is quite effective in preventing neonatal meningitis and sepsis. Babies affected by the disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics and management of symptoms.
Bibliography
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