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Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies

Johns Hopkins Medicine

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Streptococcal Infections

What is it?

Streptococcal infections are among the most common bacterial infections. There are many different strains of the bacteria; a number of them inhabit the mouth, intestine, and vagina without ill effect. However, these bacteria may cause infections elsewhere in the body, such as the skin or urinary tract (see Bladder Infection for more information), or produce symptoms if the immune system fails to prevent the bacteria from proliferating. The most common site of streptococcal infection is the throat. Strep may also infect the skin, ears, tonsils, urinary tract, heart valves, and other areas of the body.Most cases of strep respond well to antibiotics, although occasionally strep may lead to rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis (see these disorders for more information).

What Causes It?

  • Streptococcal bacteria may be spread through the air by the sneeze or cough of an infected person or by physical contact. Strep spreads easily in homes, schools, and other areas where people are in close and continued contact with one another.
  • Infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, such as those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, are at greater risk for the more serious complications of strep infections.

Prevention

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after visiting public places.
  • Don't share towels or drinking glasses.
  • Try to limit exposure to people who are coughing or sneezing.

Diagnosis

  • Patient history and physical examination.
  • Throat culture or more rapid diagnostic tests (if strep throat is suspected).
  • Culture of any lesion or discharge.

How to Treat It

  • Treatment varies depending on the location and nature of the infection. In general, antibiotics—usually penicillin or erythromycin—are prescribed to treat strep infections and must be taken for the full term prescribed (often 10 days or more). Stopping the medication early can result in an even more virulent recurrence of the infection (rebound infection). In severe cases antibiotics may be administered by injection.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to reduce pain and fever.
  • Abscesses may need to be surgically drained.

When to Call a Doctor

  • Call a doctor if you develop sudden sore throat and fever.
  • Call a doctor if a skin wound becomes infected, or if you or your child develops a red, crusting rash anywhere on the body.