Strep A bacteria is a type of bacteria that occurs in the throat and skin and can result in death. With the winter months, the spread of viruses and bacteria increases with spending time in closed and crowded places. One of the bacteria that cause the disease is Streptococcal infections, popularly known as Beta. This type of bacteria, which mostly affects children, can cause significant problems if not treated and measures are not taken.
Group A streptococcus, also known by the abbreviation GAS, is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the throat and on the skin. Group A streptococcal infections commonly cause sore throat and tonsillitis, also known as tonsillitis. This type of bacteria can cause scarlet fever and skin infections such as impetigo and cellulitis. In some people, group A streptococcal infection can cause serious complications, such as damage to the heart or kidneys.
Especially in children, this infection can cause sore throat, swallowing problems, tonsillitis (tonsillitis), scarlet fever, cellulitis, impetigo (impetigo), pneumonia, kidney inflammation and fever. Therefore, it is important to take a throat culture in children with sore throat. Most upper respiratory tract infections can be caused by viruses. Rest and drinking plenty of fluids are recommended.
What are the Symptoms of Strep A Infection?
It can cause a variety of ailments, but typically it can cause a throat infection. If a child has a fever, pain in the throat and difficulty swallowing; When the specialist checks, if the tonsils are enlarged, redness and white pus accumulation is detected, the infection that is being considered can usually be Strep A, other symptoms are as follows;
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Scarlet fever-like rashes on the skin
- White inflammation in the throat
- Enlargement of the lymph nodes
- Red spots on the palate
- Fatigue, feeling tired
- Joint pain
- Headache
How is Strep A Infection Transmitted?
It is a type of infection that is commonly seen in crowded environments, especially in environments such as schools, kindergartens and military. It is transmitted through close contact, sneezing, coughing and usually respiratory droplets.
Microbiological tests are used todiagnose Strep A infection . Throat cultures and rapid antigen tests are taken from sick people suspected of having GAS pharyngitis. In children who have this virus, a strep A test is also applied to the child in case of sore throat or redness.
Who Has Strep A Infection?
Strep A pharyngitis is most common in children between the ages of 5-15. Children under 2 years of age are rarely seen. The individuals most at risk are as follows;
- Children up to 15 years of age
- People over 65 years of age
- Individuals with a weak immune system
- Those with chronic conditions
- Those who do not follow the rules of cleanliness
What Disease Can Strep A Infection Cause?
The common form of the disease is a throat infection. It can also cause many different clinical pictures. Conditions such as invasive streptococcal viruses or necrotizing fasciitis can be experienced. It is also the causative agent of scarlet fever, which is known as scarlet fever in English or scarlet fever in Turkish.
White inflammation and sores in the throat, enlarged lymph nodes, red spots on the palate are more common in this disease. In individuals who consult a doctor with the complaint of sore throat and fever, throat culture should be taken with the "rapid strep A test". Then, if the Strep A test is positive, antibiotic treatment is started immediately. If the test result is negative, there may be a 25 percent proliferation in throat culture. Therefore, it is very important to follow the throat culture result.
How is Strep A Infection Treated?
The primary choice forstrep A virus treatment is penicillin. Penicillin treatment given orally is applied for at least ten days. Antibiotics are also alternative treatment methods. In supportive treatment, it is recommended that the sick person rest, consume plenty of fluids and take soft foods. Syrup is recommended to control high fever and pain. In severe cases, supportive treatment is administered in the intensive care unit.