Streptococci

Streptococci

Streptococci are a common bacterial cause of strep throat. Antibiotics can provide a quick recovery, but are not always necessary.

What are streptococci?

Streptococci are a group of gram-positive bacteria. There are many different types of streptococcal bacteria. Several of them are found in humans. Most streptococcal bacteria are harmless, and cause neither symptoms nor harmful effects. Streptococci live in the oral cavity, nose and gut without us noticing anything about them.

However, there are streptococci that cause disease. Then you have what is referred to as a streptococcal infection.

Cause of strep?

Streptococcal infection can cause a number of different diseases depending on the type of streptococci and where the streptococci are located in the body.

Diseases that can be caused by streptococci:

• Sore throat with pus plugs

• Sinusitis

• Ear pain

• Blood poisoning

• Skin infections such as chicken pox and rosacea

• Meningitis

• Urinary tract infection

• Pneumonia

Perhaps the most common and best-known form of streptococcal infection, and which is further referred to as streptococci, is infection with group A beta-haemolytic streptococci, which causes strep throat. Streptococci are the most common bacterial cause of strep throat. This type of streptococcal infection occurs most often in autumn and winter.

Streptococcal infection in the throat can occur as a result of a cold. During a cold, the immune system will be somewhat weakened, which makes it easier for streptococci that are already in the throat to infect the mucous membranes. This can further lead to severe sore throat. If the immune system is weakened for other reasons, such as stress, you are also more susceptible to streptococci.

Streptococcus is spread via droplet transmission, but is less contagious than other respiratory infections such as colds, flu and covid-19.

Symptoms of streptococci

• Pain in the throat

• Discomfort when swallowing

• Swollen and tender lymph glands

• Headache

• Fever

• Mushy voice

• White coating on the tonsils

The course of the disease

Streptococcal infection in the throat often comes after a cold. Then you will notice that you are getting worse, and a slightly sore throat becomes noticeably worse and more uncomfortable. Fever and headache are also common symptoms of streptococcal infection.

The course of the disease in adults and children differs from each other. Symptoms of streptococcal infection in young children are often more vague. Small children can become lethargic, have earaches and stomachaches. If the general condition is good, and the child has started treatment with antibiotics, he can go to nursery school and school as usual.

Good advice

• Rest and relax

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Hot tea with honey can be soothing for a sore throat

Treatment of streptococci

Streptococcal infection can be treated with antibiotics of the penicillin type, possibly erythromycin in case of penicillin allergy, or clindamycin in case of repeated infections. When antibiotics are used, a rapid recovery is often experienced, usually within a day. Antibiotic treatment also prevents further infection.

In the case of a mild streptococcal infection without fever, antibiotics can be avoided altogether. Only moderate to severe throat infections caused by streptococci should be treated with antibiotics. Painkillers can be used to reduce fever and discomfort if necessary.

Sore and sore throats can be relieved with throat lozenges, throat sprays and warm drinks.