What you need to know about strep

In December 2022, the WHO warned about the increase in cases of invasive infection by group A streptococci (GAS) in Europe, especially in children under 10 years of age, a fact that has also occurred in Japan, which activates the focus of attention about this disease.

Streptococcus is a type of bacteria caused by one of the species of Streptococcus. These gram-positive, sphere-shaped bacteria are responsible for various disorders, such as strep throat, pneumonia, and infections of wounds, skin, heart valves, and bloodstream.

According to the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Streptococcus bacteria are classified into two groups.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which includes Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacteria that lives in the nose and throat, and Group B Streptococcus (GBS), which contains Streptococcus agalactiae, which can cause serious neonatal infections and is associated with infections of the urinary tract and reproductive system in adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms are as follows:

  • Tonsil inflammation
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Tos
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • According to the CDC, Strep A bacteria are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets and direct contact; However, they can also be spread by food that has not been handled correctly.

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    In an article from these centers, they mentioned that the symptoms of streptococcus B are the following:

  • Fever
  • Difficulty feeding
  • Irritability or lethargy
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Bluish skin color
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    Although there are two types of strep, type A is more common in adults.

    According to the National Library of Medicine, there are several treatments that help speed up the resolution of symptoms, reduce contagion time, and prevent local suppurative and non-suppurative complications.

    The antibiotics of choice for treatment are penicillin and amoxicillin. However, it is not recommended that people who are infected self-medicate.

    #strep
    2024-04-27 20:31:27

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