GROUP A STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of the group A streptococcal infection might include:

1. Streptococcal Sore Throat 

Streptococcal sore throat signs typically involve:

• Gastrointestinal problems and vomiting, especially in kids.
• Painful and swollen lymph nodes within and around the neck.
• Chills, fever, and painful, red throat with dense pus-like material surrounding the tonsils.

2. Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever symptoms involve:

• A pink-red rash spreads over the belly and sides of the breast, and skin folds due to throat irritation. If rubbed, the rash might seem like sandpaper.
• Paleness surrounds the lips and a vivid red tongue.

3. Impetigo

Impetigo may be caused by streptococcal bacteria or by staphylococcus aureus germs. The following are the symptoms of impetigo:

• Fever and swelling of the lymph nodes.
• In severe conditions, blisters form around the mouth and the nose, as well as on the legs.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of group A streptococcal infection is determined by its symptoms.

• The detection of the bacterium from a throat swab is the standard way of diagnosing instances of scarlet fever and pharyngitis. Blood tests could be ordered as well.
• Impetigo is confirmed by swabbing the crust of the sores or blisters and looking for germs.
• Toxic shock syndrome is identified by examining signs and, in certain circumstances, blood testing.

TREATMENT

The conventional therapy for group A streptococcal infection is a course of antibiotics; the length will vary depending on the location of the disease. The following antibiotics could be prescribed:

• When you are sensitive to penicillin, you should take a cephalosporin or a macrolide antibiotic instead.
• Impetigo antibiotic ointments.

Other antibiotics are also helpful. In addition to medications, many infections need supportive treatment in an intensive care unit and, in some instances, surgeries.