What diseases can streptococcus bacteria cause? here is the list

Bacterial infection Streptococcus is a health problem caused by bacteria Streptococcus. Streptococcus (abbreviated as strep) is a type of gram-positive bacteria found on various environmental surfaces, making it very easy to attack anyone. Infection Streptococcus can be divided into groups A, B, C and G. Each has its own characteristics related to the ability to cause infection. Check out the following explanation.

Causes and transmission of bacterial infections Streptococcus

Based on the grouping, the following are the causes and transmission of this bacterial infection:

Bacterial infection Streptococcus group A

Streptococcus group A is found on the surface of the skin, in the throat, and in various body cavities (including ear and genital cavities). This infection can happen to anyone, especially adults and children.

Streptococcus A can be spread via water particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These bacteria can also survive on certain surfaces so that they can be transmitted through touch.

Strep A infection can be mild or invasive. Minor infections from strep A include:

• Inflammation of the tonsils or sore throat
• Impetigo skin infection
• Cellulitis
• Sinusitis
• Ear infection
• Scarlet fever, is a bacterial infection that causes a rash and a rough feeling on the skin surface.

Basically, infection Streptococcus A can easily occur when a person has decreased endurance. Minor infections from these bacteria can be easily cured without complications and long-term effects.

However, if someone has a very weak immune system, such as in infants, the elderly, people with diabetes, or patients with cancer and HIV, infection is more likely. Streptococcus A much more serious invasive. The diseases include:

• Pneumonia, which is caused by bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Sepsis
• Meningitis
• Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), namely the emergence of symptoms of shock due to germs Streptococcus A removes toxins in the bloodstream.
• Necrotising fasciitis is an infection of the inner skin and areas adjacent to the muscles (fascia).

Invasive strap infection is a serious disease that requires proper treatment. In serious circumstances, one in four people who experience it Streptococcus A invasive can be fatal.

Bacterial infection Streptococcus group B

Bacterial infection Streptococcus group B is generally not very dangerous. However, it can cause health problems in groups with vulnerable immune systems.

These bacteria are found in the digestive tract and in the vagina. This infection is rare and usually dangerous to pregnancy conditions and in newborns.

Infection in pregnancy

Streptococcus B is a common bacteria that resides in the body, thus allowing transmission to babies during pregnancy. However, the risk of infection tends to be small with only 1 in 2,000 cases of uterine exposure causing infection Streptococcus B in babies. Infection in pregnancy can cause miscarriage and stillbirth, but these are very rare.

Infection in newborns

Newborns have very weak resistance, hence exposure Streptococcus B can easily cause serious infections such as meningitis and pneumonia.

Bacterial infection Streptococcus groups C and G

Streptococcus groups C and G have a close relationship with Streptococcus A. However, the mode of transmission is different. These bacteria are generally found in animals and are spread through touch or raw foodstuffs. For example, raw meat and milk are exposed to these bacteria.

These germs can also live on the surface of the skin, especially on damaged skin such as eczema and other mucosal tissues such as the vagina and intestinal tract.

Symptoms of a bacterial infection Streptococcus

Symptoms of a bacterial infection Streptococcus varies, depending on the type of disease and its severity. Here are the common symptoms of these infectious diseases:

Infection Streptococcus A

The following are the symptoms that arise due to diseases caused by these bacteria:

• Inflammation of the tonsils or sore throat characterized by pain when swallowing and swollen glands.
• Impetigo skin infection characterized by a burning sensation and a lump filled with fluid (blister) on the outer part of the skin.
• Cellulitis characterized by a red swelling of the skin accompanied by pain and a sensation of heat. Cellulitis infection can spread and move to the upper skin.
• Sinusitis characterized by nasal congestion and facial pain.
• Scarlet fever characterized by a rash and a rough feeling on the skin surface.

Meanwhile, the symptoms of a disease caused by a more serious invasive infection are:

• Pneumonia characterized by a persistent cough, shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Sepsis characterized by heart work disorders, fever, and rapid breathing.
• Meningitis characterized by headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, and rash.
• Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), namely the appearance of shock symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and fainting.
• Necrotising fasciitis characterized by pain, swelling, and redness. This infection can spread quickly.

Infection Streptococcus B

The Mayo Clinic differentiates the symptoms of infection in children and adults. Here's the explanation.

Symptoms in babies

Signs and symptoms in babies may include:

• Fever
• Difficulty breastfeeding
• Sluggish
• Difficulty breathing
• Fussy
• Jaundice

Symptoms in adults

Many adults carry these germs on their bodies, usually in their intestines, vagina, rectum, bladder, or throat. However, they did not show any symptoms.

However, in some cases, this condition can lead to urinary tract infections or more serious infections, such as blood infection (bacteremia) or pneumonia.

Infection Streptococcus groups C and G

Germs Streptococcus C and G cannot survive long in the open environment outside the bodies of humans and animals. This infection generally attacks the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems. According to the type of disease, the symptoms can be:

• Bacteremia characterized by sudden fever and chills.
• Bone infection characterized by fever for several days, chills, sore bones, skin looks red and more sensitive.
• Endocarditis characterized by flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and chills, body fatigue and joint pain, shortness of breath and chest pain, swollen feet and hands.
• Toxic shock syndrome characterized by shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, and a fast heartbeat.

Diagnosis of infection

The doctor will physically examine you and see the signs and symptoms you feel. In addition, the doctor will also ask you to do a series of tests to confirm the disease. The examination procedures include:

• Rapid antigen test. This procedure is done by taking a swab from your throat. This test can detect bacteria Streptococcus in a matter of minutes by looking for a substance in the throat.
• Throat culture. This examination is done by taking a sample at the back of the throat and tonsils. The sample is then examined in a laboratory for the presence of bacteria.

In addition, depending on what disease your doctor thinks is due to this bacterial infection, your doctor may ask you to:

• Urine test
• Lumbar puncture
• Chest X-ray

Infection treatment Streptococcus

The doctor will give antibiotics to treat this bacterial infection, according to the disease. These antibiotics can be given orally or through an intravenous line.

Infection Streptococcus group A can be treated with antibiotics, such as:

• Penicillin, which is a drug that is usually chosen to treat minor and severe diseases.
• Erythromycin can be used for people who are allergic to penicillin.
• Clindamycin can be used to treat penicillin allergy people with more severe disease.

In addition, drugs to treat symptoms due to infection Streptococcus group A can also be used. These drugs include ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Meanwhile, on infection Streptococcus B, the antibiotics your doctor usually recommends for you are penicillin or cephalexin. These drugs are safe for consumption for pregnant women.

If your baby tests positive for infection Streptococcus B, the doctor will give antibiotics through an IV. Depending on your baby's condition, they may need intravenous fluids, oxygen, or other medicines.

Prevention of infection Streptococcus

The following are ways you can do to prevent this infection :

• Wash your hands regularly. This method is the best step to prevent various kinds of infections.
• Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing. Teach this good habit to your children.
• Don't share personal equipment with other people.

Vaccines to prevent infection Streptococcus group B is not yet available. Even so, researchers are working on the vaccine for prevention in the future.