What Are Group A Streptococcus Infections?
Group A streptococcus infections are commonly called GAS infections. Streptococcus pyogenes, a group A streptococcus, causes a variety of illnesses known as group A streptococcal infections (GAS). S. pyogenes is a type of beta-hemolytic gram-positive bacteria that causes a variety of diseases that are usually frequent and mild. If the bacteria penetrate the bloodstream, they can cause a serious and sometimes fatal infection known as an invasive GAS (iGAS).
What Are the Examples of Group A Streptococcus Infection?
GAS infections are a common illness that can cause pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat, often causing soreness or discomfort), scarlet fever (a bacterial infection causing rash, fever, and sore throat, usually due to Streptococcus bacteria), and impetigo (school sores). It can produce toxic shock syndrome, similar to that caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, often known as 'golden staph,' in rare circumstances. GAS is one of the potential causes of the extremely rare disease necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria).
GAS can occasionally cause major consequences such as rheumatic fever, which can harm the heart, and kidney damage (glomerulonephritis).
What Are the Symptoms of Group A Streptococcus Infection?
The symptoms of group A streptococcus infections are discussed below.
Streptococcal Sore Throat or Pharyngitis:
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A painful, red throat with thick pus-like fluid surrounding the tonsils.
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High fever and chills.
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Enlargement and tenderness of the lymph nodes in and around the neck.
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Vomiting and stomach ache, especially in children.
Scarlet Fever:
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Throat inflammation (pain and swelling).
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A pink-red rash that spreads across the abdomen, sides of the chest, and skin folds. Upon touching it, it may feel like sandpaper.
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A bright red tongue (named strawberry tongue).
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Paleness in the mouth area.
Impetigo:
Impetigo, sometimes known as school sores, is caused by streptococcal bacteria. However, impetigo can also be caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ('golden staph').
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Blisters, most commonly around the nose, mouth, and legs.
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In extreme cases, there may be fever and enlarged lymph nodes.
Necrotizing Fasciitis:
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Inflammation of the skin causes it to turn red, warm, or swollen and spreads rapidly.
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A severe form of pain that extends beyond the red, warm, or swollen part of the skin.
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Fever.
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Skin ulcers, blisters, or dark patches
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Changes in skin color are also possible.
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Oozing or pus from the affected area
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Dizziness.
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Tiredness (tiredness).
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Nausea.
Cellulitis:
Although several bacteria can cause cellulitis, group A streptococcus infection is the most common cause. Cellulitis typically manifests as a red, swollen, and painful region of skin that is warm and tender to the touch. The damaged skin may seem pitted, similar to the peel of an orange, or blisters may form. Some people may have fever and chills as well. Cellulitis can arise everywhere in the body, but the feet and legs are the most commonly affected.
Rheumatic Fever:
Symptoms include fever, pain in the joints, tiredness, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, jerks, and uncontrollable body movements.
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome:
Symptoms include fever, pain in the muscles, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, fast breathing, and organ failure.
Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis:
It causes symptoms related to the urinary system like urine becoming a dark reddish-brown color, edema (swelling), particularly in the face, around the eyes, hands, and feet, the reduced urge to urinate or reduced urine production and fatigue as a result of moderate anemia (feeling tired due to low iron levels in the blood).
Quick Facts:
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A sore throat and fever are the most typical symptoms of Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection.
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Children infected with this infection should refrain from going to school, preschool, or childcare until they have received at least 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and feel better.
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GAS can be spread through sneezing, coughing, and hand contact, as well as contaminated food in rare situations.
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An infected person could be contagious for 10 to 21 days if their streptococcal infection is not treated. A pus-filled discharge from an untreated infection can spread bacteria for weeks.
How Is Group A Streptococcus Infection Diagnosed?
Identification of the organism from a throat swab is the standard way of diagnosis for instances of pharyngitis and scarlet fever. Blood tests may be ordered as well by the doctor. A swab of the blisters or painful crust is used to diagnose impetigo and is tested for the causative bacteria. Toxic shock syndrome is diagnosed through an examination of symptoms and, in some circumstances, blood tests for the identification of the pathogen.
How Is Group A Streptococcus Infection Transmitted?
An individual can contract group A streptococcal infection after coming in contact with the infected one. These bacterias are predominant in saliva and nasal discharge; therefore, sneezing, coughing, and shaking hands can transmit the bacteria from an infected individual to a healthy individual. However, in rare cases, an individual can also get the infection from ingesting contaminated foods, including dairy (milk and milk products) and eggs. Furthermore, impetigo is extremely contagious. People who have skin sores or blisters should avoid handling food until the infection has resolved, as it may transmit the infection.
What Is the Treatment of Group A Streptococcus Infection?
Since group A streptococcus infections are bacterial infections, antibiotics are the drug of choice. The conventional treatment for group A streptococcal infection is a course of antibiotics; the duration will vary depending on the site of infection. The antibiotics that are prescribed include Penicillin, Cephalosporin, or a Macrolide (in the case of penicillin allergy), and for treating impetigo, antibiotic creams are used.
What Are the Complications of Group A Streptococcus Infection?
If not treated on time, group A streptococcus infection could be life-threatening. The complications include severe infections like necrotizing fasciitis, meningitis, pneumonia, and other invasive illnesses, such as toxic shock syndrome. Despite being relatively rare, these invasive diseases have the potential to be fatal. Additionally, it is considered that infection with specific Group A Streptococcus strains raises the risk of developing an invasive illness.
How To Prevent Group A Streptococcus Infection?
By practicing basic cleanliness, group A Streptococcus infections may be less likely to spread. It is crucial for everyone to thoroughly wash their hands after sneezing or coughing and before preparing food or eating.
Conclusion:
Group A streptococcus infection primarily attacks individuals with weak immunity. Therefore, it is crucial to get it diagnosed and treated as early as possible to prevent further complications which may pose a risk to the life of the infected individual.
