What diseases are caused by Streptococcus (strep)?

From the Guidelines

Streptococcus bacteria cause a wide range of diseases affecting different body systems, including strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, cellulitis, and erysipelas, as well as more serious conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, and endocarditis. The most common strep infections include:

• Strep throat (pharyngitis)
• Scarlet fever
• Impetigo
• Cellulitis
• Erysipelas Streptococcus can also cause more serious conditions such as:
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Bacteremia (blood infections)
• Endocarditis (heart valve infection)
• Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)
• Toxic shock syndrome Post-streptococcal complications can develop following untreated strep infections, including:
• Rheumatic fever (affecting the heart, joints, and nervous system)
• Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation) Group A strep (Streptococcus pyogenes) is responsible for most strep throat cases and skin infections, while Group B strep can cause serious infections in newborns and pregnant women 1. Other strep species like Streptococcus pneumoniae cause pneumonia, ear infections, and sinus infections. Most strep infections are treated with antibiotics like penicillin or amoxicillin, with alternatives available for those with penicillin allergies. Streptococcus bacteria spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected wounds, making good hygiene practices essential for prevention 2.

From the Research

Diseases Caused by Streptococcus

• Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat, is a bacterial infection caused by Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) 3, 4.
• Impetigo, a skin infection, is also caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) 5.
• Necrotizing fasciitis, a severe and life-threatening disease, can be caused by GAS 5.
• Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition, is also associated with GAS 5.
• Other diseases caused by Streptococcus include:
  • Non-suppurative complications, such as rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis 4.
  • Suppurative complications, such as peritonsillar abscess and mastoiditis 4.

Transmission and Infection

• The main route of Streptococcus transmission between humans is through close or direct physical contact, and particularly via respiratory droplets 5.
• The upper respiratory tract and skin are major reservoirs for Streptococcus infections 5.
• The ability of Streptococcus to establish an infection in the new host at these anatomical sites primarily results from two distinct physiological processes, namely bacterial adhesion and colonization 5.