Group A streptococcal infections are caused by the Group A streptococcus bacteria entering the body. Infections caused by Group A streptococcus are usually mild and often cause symptoms similar to a common cold.
Infections caused by the Group A streptococcus bacteria include:
Certain strains of the Group A streptococcus bacteria, also referred to as the strep bacteria, can cause severe side effects that may include blood infections, scarlet fever, toxic shock syndrome, an infection that eats away at the skin, and inflamed joints.
Group A streptococcus infections are very common worldwide, with at least 10 million causing mild symptoms every year.
Common symptoms of Group A strep infection include:
Symptoms of skin infections caused by Group A strep can include:
Signs of a more severe disease may include dizziness, diarrhoea, large skin lesions, colour changes or swelling in the skin, and fever. If you suspect you have a strep A infection and are experiencing severe symptoms, seek immediate help.
The Group A streptococcus bacteria causes strep A infections. The symptoms you experience are a combination of your body fighting to destroy the bacteria and the bacteria itself. For example, swollen lymph nodes are a sign your body’s immune system is working overtime to get rid of a foreign object, like a bacterium or virus.
A sore throat, rash, or other symptoms you may experience at this time are caused by the bacteria. Your immune system may need help fighting the bacteria, which is where antibiotics can be helpful. It’s important to get treatment even for mild infections. Left untreated, mild bacterial infections can become life-threatening.
Risk factors for Group A streptococcus include being a school-aged child, poor personal hygiene, and not handwashing.
Your healthcare provider will take a medical history and a list of your current symptoms, as well as doing a physical exam, if they suspect you have a Group A strep infection. A diagnosis can be readily confirmed by swabbing your throat. The sample from your throat will be sent to a lab, where the presence of Group A strep bacteria will be confirmed or denied.
In some cases, your provider may also want to obtain a blood test or perform imaging scans if you’re experiencing a more severe infection.
Complications of Group A strep infections include organ damage, blood infections, and other severe forms of Group A strep, like necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating skin disease).
These complications can usually be avoided by seeking treatment when you experience mild symptoms. Not receiving treatment for a bacterial infection can cause it to progress into one of these life-threatening diseases.
Antibiotics are the go to treatment for Group A strep. They may be given as a cream or as a pill, depending on whether you have a throat infection or a skin infection. Antibiotics will shorten the length of the disease and improve how you feel more quickly. Most people begin to feel better within three to five days.