Summary about Disease
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection is a common bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. GAS can cause a range of illnesses, from mild infections like strep throat and impetigo to severe, life-threatening conditions like necrotizing fasciitis ("flesh-eating disease") and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of GAS infection:
Strep Throat: Sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils (often with white patches or pus), headache, body aches, rash (scarlatina).
Scarlet Fever: Strep throat symptoms with a characteristic sandpaper-like rash that starts on the neck and chest and spreads over the body.
Impetigo: Red sores that often develop around the nose and mouth, which burst and ooze fluid, forming a honey-colored crust.
Cellulitis: Red, swollen, painful area of skin that feels warm to the touch.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: Rapidly spreading, severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, and blisters, often leading to tissue destruction.
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS): Fever, dizziness, confusion, rash, low blood pressure, organ failure.
Causes
GAS infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. The bacteria spread through:
Direct Contact: Contact with nasal or throat secretions from an infected person, or contact with infected wounds or sores.
Respiratory Droplets: Coughing or sneezing by an infected person releases droplets containing the bacteria.
Contaminated Surfaces: Touching objects contaminated with the bacteria and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Foodborne Transmission: In rare cases, food contaminated with GAS can cause infection.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics: Penicillin or amoxicillin are the most common antibiotics used to treat GAS infections. For patients allergic to penicillin, alternatives like erythromycin, cephalexin, or clindamycin may be prescribed.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and pain.
Severe Infections: Necrotizing fasciitis and STSS require aggressive treatment, including intravenous antibiotics, surgery to remove dead tissue, and supportive care in an intensive care unit.
Is Communicable
Yes, GAS infection is highly communicable, particularly strep throat and impetigo. The bacteria can spread easily through close contact with an infected person or through contaminated surfaces.
Precautions
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating.
Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Avoid Sharing: Do not share personal items such as utensils, cups, towels, or clothing.
Wound Care: Keep wounds clean and covered.
Stay Home When Sick: If you have symptoms of GAS infection, stay home from school or work to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Complete Antibiotic Course: If prescribed antibiotics, take the full course, even if you start feeling better, to ensure the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a GAS outbreak can vary depending on the setting and the effectiveness of control measures. In schools or daycare centers, outbreaks can last for several weeks or even months if proper hygiene practices and prompt treatment are not implemented. Individual infections typically resolve within a week with antibiotic treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Strep Throat: Rapid strep test (throat swab) or throat culture.
Skin Infections (Impetigo, Cellulitis): Usually diagnosed based on appearance. Sometimes, a sample of pus from the wound is cultured.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: Diagnosed based on clinical signs (rapidly spreading infection, severe pain) and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRI). Surgical exploration is often necessary.
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS): Diagnosed based on clinical criteria, blood cultures, and other laboratory tests.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies depending on the type of GAS infection:
Strep Throat: Symptoms typically appear 2-5 days after exposure.
Scarlet Fever: The rash usually appears within 1-2 days of the onset of strep throat symptoms.
Impetigo: Sores appear within 4-10 days after exposure.
Necrotizing Fasciitis: Symptoms can develop rapidly, often within hours, and worsen quickly.
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS): Symptoms develop rapidly, often within hours, and can lead to shock and organ failure.
Important Considerations
Rheumatic Fever: Untreated strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious inflammatory condition that can damage the heart, joints, brain, and skin.
Post-streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: Another complication of untreated strep throat or skin infections that affects the kidneys.
Prevention is Key: Proper hygiene and prompt treatment of GAS infections are crucial for preventing complications and outbreaks.
Consult a Doctor: If you suspect you or your child has a GAS infection, seek medical attention promptly.