Diseases
streptococcal infections
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
These infections affect various areas of the body, including the throat, middle ear, sinuses, lungs, skin, tissue under the skin, heart valves, and bloodstream. Symptoms may include red and painful swollen tissues, scabby sores, sore (strep) throat, and a rash, depending on the area affected.
Symptoms
- throat pain that usually comes on quickly
- painful swallowing
- red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard pa
- swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
Causes
- streptococcal bacteria are contagious. they can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks.
- strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as streptococcus pyogenes, also called group a streptococcus.
Risk factors
- young age. strep throat occurs most commonly in children.
- time of year. although strep throat can occur anytime, it tends to circulate in
Diagnosis
- rapid antigen test.
- throat culture.
- molecular (polymerase chain reaction, or pcr) test.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is streptococcal infections?
These infections affect various areas of the body, including the throat, middle ear, sinuses, lungs, skin, tissue under the skin, heart valves, and bloodstream. Symptoms may include red and painful swollen tissues, scabby sores, sore (strep) throat, and a rash, depending on the area affected.
What are the symptoms of streptococcal infections?
throat pain that usually comes on quickly, painful swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus, tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard pa, swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
What causes streptococcal infections?
streptococcal bacteria are contagious. they can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks.; strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as streptococcus pyogenes, also called group a streptococcus.
Which medicines are used for streptococcal infections?
penicillin g
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