What age group is usually afflicted by Streptococcal (Strep) infections?

From the Guidelines

Strep throat most commonly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old. While anyone can get strep throat, it is particularly prevalent in school-aged children, with peak incidence occurring during the winter and early spring months. Adults can also contract strep throat, but it is less common, with parents of school-aged children being at higher risk due to household exposure. The bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) spreads easily in settings where children are in close contact, such as schools and daycare centers, through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The developing immune systems of children may also contribute to their susceptibility to this bacterial infection. Symptoms typically include sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, and swollen tonsils, often with white patches or streaks of pus. If suspected, prompt medical evaluation is important as strep throat requires antibiotic treatment, typically penicillin or amoxicillin, to prevent complications like rheumatic fever, as supported by the most recent guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1.

Key Points

• Strep throat is most common in children between 5 and 15 years old
• Peak incidence occurs during winter and early spring months
• Adults can also contract strep throat, especially those with household exposure to school-aged children
• Symptoms include sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, and swollen tonsils
• Prompt medical evaluation and antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent complications like rheumatic fever, with the most effective treatment regimens outlined in recent clinical practice guidelines 1.

Treatment and Prevention

The most effective treatment for strep throat is antibiotic therapy, with penicillin and amoxicillin being the most commonly prescribed medications. According to the 2012 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, treatment regimens for group A streptococcal pharyngitis include oral penicillin V, intramuscular benzathine penicillin G, and oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 1. Prevention of strep throat involves practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who have the infection.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis of strep throat is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory testing, including throat culture or rapid antigen detection test (RADT) 1. Management of strep throat involves prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy, as well as supportive care to alleviate symptoms. In some cases, tonsillectomy may be considered for patients with recurrent strep throat or other complications. The 2009 scientific statement from the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment of strep throat to prevent complications like rheumatic fever 1.

Conclusion is not allowed, so the answer ends here.

From the FDA Drug Label

It is recommended that there be at least 10 days’ treatment for any infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever. Treatment should be continued for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours beyond the time that the patient becomes asymptomatic, or evidence of bacterial eradication has been obtained 2. 3 Dosage in Pediatric Patients Aged Less than 12 Weeks (3 months)

The age group usually afflicted by Streptococcal (Strep) infections is pediatric patients, specifically those aged 3 months and older, as the drug label provides dosage recommendations for this age group. However, it can be inferred that children under 3 months may also be affected, as there are special dosage considerations for this age group. 2

From the Research

Age Group Afflicted by Streptococcal Infections

• The age group usually afflicted by Streptococcal (Strep) infections includes:
  • Children aged 1-17 years, with a peak incidence in school-aged children, typically between 3 to 15 years old 3, 4, 5
  • Specifically, the peak age for GAS pharyngitis is around 7-8 years old 5
  • It is rare in children under 3 years of age and becomes less common in late adolescence through adulthood 5
• The studies suggest that the incidence of Streptococcal infections varies by age, with younger children being more susceptible to recurrent infections 3
• Clinical decision rules, such as the presence of fever, tonsillar exudate, cervical lymphadenitis, and patient age, can increase clinical suspicion of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection 4