Strep infections

What are streptococci?

Streptococci are a genus of bacteria called coconuts; spherical in shape, which are grouped into chains of multiple bacteria, hence its name. exist different species of streptococci, among which the most common and causing infections in humans are:

• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Streptococcus agalactiae
• Streptococcus viridans
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Also, these infections they can leave sequelae in the form of rheumatic fever or a kidney disease called post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Type A streptococcal infections

Strep throat.

It is caused by S. pyogenes And it is very common. In fact, up to 20% of people can be asymptomatic carriers of this bacterium in our pharynx. The infection can cause sore throat, fever, redness of the pharynx and the presence of pus plaques in the tonsils, but in most cases the symptoms are less apparent. They can swollen glands located under the jaw and on the sides of the neck and infection can be complicated by an abscess, a collection of pus, next to the tonsil.

Scarlet fever

It is not as common today, but lately we have seen a rebound in the cases that are detected, both in children and adults. It is very common for outbreaks to occur in schools or daycare centers. It is usually followed by pharyngitis due to a specific type of strep. It is characterized by a skin rash reddish, with relief, that bleaches when pressed, predominantly in the abdomen and sides of the thoraxas well as red lines in the skin folds. The skin may peel and the rash lasts between 2 and 5 days. The papillae of the tongue become inflamed and the tongue has a deep red color, which is called a strawberry tongue.

Impetigo

It is an iskin infection superficial caused by streptococcus (it can also be caused by staphylococci) in which vesicles or blisters appear on the skin that tend to clump together and form a crust of a yellowish color. They are common on the face and can cause itching and pain; manifests quickly on the skin. Sometimes they can ulcerate with brown crusts.

Erysipelas

It is a type of i that also affects lymphatic vessels. Patients have hard, bright red, raised, well-defined, and painful patches on the skin. It is accompanied by high fever and malaise.