Where does strep throat come from and what causes it?

Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils. Bacteria called group A streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes. cause it. They live in the nose and throat. You can get the infection from someone who is sick with strep A bacteria or is a carrier of it.

Is the bacteria that causes strep throat the same as Group B?

The bacteria that causes strep throat, group A streptococcus, is not the same as group B streptococcus, which is found around the vagina or rectum. While group B streptococcus can be passed to a baby during delivery, it is unrelated to the bacteria that causes strep throat.

Can A strep throat infection cause rheumatic fever?

Early diagnosis of these infections and treatment with antibiotics are key to preventing rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever may develop after strep throat or scarlet fever infections that are not treated properly. Bacteria called group A Streptococcus or group A strep cause strep throat and scarlet fever.

Can A strep throat infection be contagious?

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tonsils that is relatively common. It’s contagious and can lead to a very sore throat, so the earlier it’s treated, the better.

What kind of infection is Group A strep throat?

Group A Streptococcal Infections. Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections can range from a mild skin infection or a sore throat to severe, life-threatening conditions. Most people are familiar with strep throat, which along with minor skin infections, is the most common form of the disease.

Can A strep throat infection spread to other people?

Strep bacteria flourish wherever groups of people are in close contact. Although strep throat isn’t dangerous, it can lead to serious complications. Antibiotic treatment reduces the risk. Strep bacteria may spread, causing infection in: Strep infection may lead to inflammatory illnesses, including:

Why do certain kids get strep throat so often?

Here’s Why Certain Kids Repeatedly Get Strep Throat. What they found is that tonsils from kids with repeat infections had a genetically based poor immune response to group A strep bacteria. When the medical histories of these children were checked, the researchers confirmed the problem did run in some families.

Do you need a throat culture if you have strep throat?

Culture is important to use in children and teens since they can get rheumatic fever from an untreated strep throat infection. For adults, it is usually not necessary to do a throat culture following a negative rapid strep test. Adults are generally not at risk of getting rheumatic fever following a strep throat infection.