From the Guidelines
Yes, Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is highly contagious, and people with strep throat are typically contagious until they've been on antibiotics for 24-48 hours. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and through direct contact with infected wounds or sores 1. The standard treatment for Group A strep infections is a 10-day course of antibiotics, usually penicillin (such as amoxicillin 500mg three times daily for adults) or azithromycin (500mg on day 1, then 250mg daily for 4 more days) for those with penicillin allergies 1.
Key Points to Consider
- It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
- To prevent spreading the infection, wash hands frequently, avoid sharing personal items like utensils or drinking glasses, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and stay home from work or school until fever-free and on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
- Group A strep is particularly concerning because untreated infections can lead to complications like rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
- The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2012 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, provides guidance on the diagnosis and management of Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, including recommendations for antibiotic treatment and prevention of transmission 1.
Prevention and Control Measures
- Continuous surveillance is required to identify outbreaks, which can arise over long periods of time 1.
- Screening of epidemiologically linked healthcare workers should be considered for healthcare-associated cases of GAS infection where no alternative source is readily identified 1.
- Communal facilities, such as baths, bidets, and showers, should be cleaned and decontaminated between all patients, especially on delivery suites, post-natal wards, and other high-risk areas 1.
From the Research
Group A Streptococcal Infection Contagiousness
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a contagious bacterial infection that can cause a range of diseases, from pharyngitis and skin infections to severe and aggressive diseases like necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome 2, 3.
- The symptoms of GAS infection can overlap with non-GAS and viral causes of acute pharyngitis, making diagnosis challenging 4.
- GAS infection can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, and treatment with antibiotics can help decrease the risk of contagion 4.
- The development of a safe and effective vaccine against GAS is considered the most effective way to broadly address GAS-related diseases, but its development has been stalled due to the wide genetic heterogeneity of GAS and diverse autoimmune responses to GAS 2, 3.
Transmission and Prevention
- GAS infection can be prevented by avoiding close contact with infected individuals, practicing good hygiene, and using antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional 4.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a GAS research and technology road map and outlined preferred vaccine characteristics, stimulating renewed interest in the development of safe and effective GAS vaccines 3.
- Strengthening global molecular epidemiological surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic resistance is also crucial in preventing the spread of GAS infection 2.