Streptococcus: symptoms and treatment

Streptococcus is part of a family of bacteria that can cause a range of infections. It varies in type and severity, depending on the infections it causes in the human body. Some people may also be at higher risk. The symptoms of streptococcus can be many and can affect people of all ages. It is a bacterial infection that must be treated to avoid consequences that can be serious.

Contagious streptococcal infections

Some infections caused by streptococcus can also be contagious. The rate of transmission of the infection is fairly high. It spreads when a few simple hygiene rules are not followed.

• Direct contact with an infected person. Some streptococcal infections, such as the group A infection (Streptococcus pyogenes), spread through direct contact with an infected person. A hug, a kiss or sharing kitchen utensils with an infected person could increase the risk of catching the infection.
• Contact with contaminated objects. Streptococci can survive on surfaces and objects for a certain period of time. Touching a surface contaminated with streptococci and then touching your face, mouth or eyes could introduce the bacteria into the body.
• Contact with infected secretions. The saliva or nasal secretions of an infected person can contain streptococci. Coming into contact with these secretions, through a kiss or by sharing drinks, could lead to infection.
• Inhalation of respiratory droplets. Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) can be transmitted through respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The symptoms of streptococcus

The symptoms of a streptococcal infection vary depending on the type of bacterium involved and the area of the body affected. Infections fall into two main categories: group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) and group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae).

Group A infections

• Throat infections. Sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of group A streptococcal infection. It may be accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, and red tonsils with white patches.
• Skin infections. They cause impetigo, cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis, characterized by red, swollen and infected skin, often with pustules.
• Rheumatic fever. A rare but serious complication of group A streptococcal infection. It can affect the heart, joints, skin and brain.
• Scarlet fever. It occurs when the bacterium produces a toxin that causes a characteristic skin rash.

Group B infections

• Newborn infections. It can cause serious infections in newborns, including infections of the blood, skin and lungs.
• Urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections are common in women and in older adults.

How to check for streptococcus

To determine whether there is a streptococcal infection, the doctor orders a series of tests and clinical evaluations. First, the doctor will perform a physical exam to assess the symptoms and look for signs of infection. Particular attention may be paid to the throat, the tonsils, the skin or other affected areas of the body. If a group A infection is suspected, the doctor may order a rapid streptococcal antigen test. The test uses a swab to collect a sample of saliva from the throat or tonsils. The sample is then examined for the presence of the group A streptococcus antigen. This test gives quick results, usually within a few minutes. If the result is negative, and the doctor feels further investigation is needed, the doctor orders a tissue culture. If the rapid test is negative, the doctor may order a culture of tissue taken from the throat or from another affected area. This culture can take a few days to give definitive results.

Where to get tested

The test can be done at the laboratories of the NefroCenter Group or at the Rome American Hospital. The test for group B streptococcus can be performed with vaginal and rectal swabs during pregnancy. Its purpose is to determine whether a woman is a carrier of the bacterium, which is potentially dangerous to the newborn during delivery. Not all types of streptococci cause serious infections or require treatment. Diagnosis and treatment will be specific to the type of streptococcus and the severity of the infection.

Treatments

Treatments for streptococcal infections vary depending on the type of infection and the severity of the symptoms. In general, they include drug therapies aimed at making the symptoms go away. The use of antibiotics is very widespread. Penicillin or other appropriate drugs are used, which help kill the bacteria responsible for the infection. For symptoms such as sore throat, on the other hand, over-the-counter pain relievers are used, as well as a natural remedy such as gargling with salt water, which can help reduce discomfort. Finally, in severe cases, such as a streptococcal abscess or necrotizing fasciitis, surgery may be needed to drain the infection.

At-risk groups

Some groups of people are more at risk of developing streptococcal infections. These include children and newborns, who develop throat infections more often. In addition, there are people with a weakened immune system due to chronic diseases or immunosuppressive treatments, and people with other pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, who may be more susceptible to complications related to streptococcal infection. Finally, people with a history of streptococcal infections may also be at higher risk of developing others.