Streptococcus is what type of bacteria

The risk of secondary cases of invasive GAS disease among persons with casual contact to a case is very small. However, there are occasional reports of close contacts such as family members developing severe disease. In general, it is not necessary for all persons exposed to someone with an invasive group A streptococcal infection to be tested or receive preventive antibiotics.

If household contacts are in good health, they should be watched for signs of GAS infection, but will not need to take preventive antibiotics. However, those who are at higher risk of invasive disease if infected for example, persons with diabetes, cancer, chronic heart disease or alcoholism should discuss the benefit of preventive antibiotics with their healthcare provider. The spread of all types of group A streptococcal infections may be reduced by good hand washing, especially after coughing and sneezing, before and after preparing foods and before eating.

Persons with sore throats should be seen by a physician who can perform tests to find out whether it is strep throat; if so, one should stay home from work, school or daycare for 24 hours or more after taking an antibiotic. All wounds should be kept clean. Wounds should be watched for possible signs of infection which include increasing redness, swelling and pain at the wound site. If these signs occur, especially in a person who also has a fever, consult a doctor immediately.

Navigation menu. How are group A streptococci spread? What is invasive group A streptococcal disease? What are the early signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome?

How common is invasive group A streptococcal disease? Why does invasive group A streptococcal disease occur? Who is most at risk of invasive group A streptococcal disease? Can invasive group A streptococcal disease be treated? There are many different types of Streptococci and infections vary in severity from mild throat infections to pneumonia.

Streptococcal infections are primarily treated with antibiotics. Many strains live naturally in humans causing no symptoms. Streptococcus pneumoniae S. It causes infections in both adults and children.

It is transmitted through coughs and sneezes. Minor infections can be treated relatively easily with antibiotics and include: sinusitis inflammation of the sinuses middle ear infections. More invasive infections pose a more serious threat to health and include: pneumonia inflammation of the tissue in the lungs meningitis inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord bacteraemia infection of the blood.

People at the highest risk of invasive S. A plate of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Related Content:. Balloon Bugs. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Streptococcal Infections Also called: Strep.

Learn More Related Issues Specifics. See, Play and Learn No links available. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. Group A strep causes Strep throat - a sore, red throat.

Your tonsils may be swollen and have white spots on them. Scarlet fever - an illness that follows strep throat. It causes a red rash on the body.