Streptococcus pyogenes – infection, symptoms, treatment, complications

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Streptococcus pyogenes is also known as type A streptococcus. It is a bacterium that causes many diseases that affect various human systems. Typically, Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for respiratory infections. What are the symptoms of developing Streptococcus pyogenes infection? Can infection with this bacterium lead to serious complications?

Streptococcal infections are caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. The most common infections caused by streptococci include, among others angina, that is, purulent sore throat. This bacterium is a type of gram-positive bacteria.

Streptococcus pyogenes – characteristics

Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that often causes purulent pharyngitis, i.e. angina. They are otherwise referred to as streptococci because under a microscope they resemble small interconnected beads. Streptococcus pyogenes can also cause, for example, urogenital infections, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis or purulent skin infections.

Streptococcus pyogenes – routes of infection

Streptococcus pyogenes is dangerous to our health. However, not all streptococci do cause disease. Some streptococci can be found in our digestive and respiratory systems because they naturally inhabit our bacterial flora. In addition, some people are carriers of pathogenic streptococci.

Streptococcus pyogenes is transmitted by airborne droplets. The risk of infection with this group of streptococci is higher when we have contact with a sick person. People who forget to wash their hands, fruit or vegetables before eating are also at higher risk of Streptococcus pyogenes infection. People staying in large clusters of people are also at risk. This applies especially to people staying in, for example, kindergartens, hospitals or schools.

Streptococcus pyogenes – symptoms

Streptococcus pyogenes most often causes pharyngitis, or angina. The symptom of angina is a very severe sore throat. A person infected with Streptococcus pyogenes then has difficulty swallowing saliva and eating. Additionally, it appears:

1. usually high fever;
2. visible coating on the surface of the throat and tonsils;
3. swelling and redness of the throat;
4. muscle aches;
5. break;
6. enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain and vomiting are also common in a person infected with Streptococcus pyogenes.

Streptococcus pyogenes – diagnosis

When symptoms of strep throat appear, see your GP who will take a throat swab. In this way, he can specifically establish the cause of the disease and treat it. Most often, however, the doctor is able to diagnose angina after examining the patient’s throat, because the ecchymosis on the throat is quite characteristic.

Streptococcus pyogenes – treatment

Treatment of Streptococcus pyogenes infection requires administration of an antibiotic. Antibiotic therapy lasts about 7-10 days. This length of treatment helps to combat the disease and avoid complications. It is also worth giving painkillers and antipyretics.

Streptococcus pyogenes – complications

Streptococcus pyogenes infections can lead to serious consequences. If left untreated, the infection spreads the bacteria to other systems and can lead to the following complications:

1. toxic shock syndrome;
2. scarlet fever;
3. sinusitis;
4. rheumatic fever;
5. glomerulonephritis;
6. purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck.

Infection with Streptococcus pyogenes in a pregnant woman can spread to the baby and even affect the course and acceleration of labor.

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