Streptococcus pyogenes
Ever heard of Strep throat? It is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, that primarily affects the throat and tonsils, leading to a sore, scratchy throat, pain when swallowing, red/swollen tonsils with white patches/pus. Strep throat is more common among children but also affects adults (Strep Throat - Symptoms & Causes - Mayo Clinic, 2022). The differentiation from viral sore throats is crucial, as strep throat typically lacks symptoms like cough, runny nose, or hoarseness, which are more indicative of viral infections (Higuera, 2023).
Streptococcus pyogenes. Image taken from CDC
Mode of transmission
The transmission of strep throat is well-documented as highly contagious. The spread of strep throat is facilitated in the following ways:
- Respiratory droplets - cough/sneeze/talk
- Touching contaminated surfaces - doorknobs/utensils and subsequently touching your face
- Direct contact with an infected person's saliva - kissing, sharing utensils/food/drinks
The incubation period, the time between exposure and symptom onset, is generally 2 to 5 days, during which the individual is contagious (Strep Throat: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment, 2022).
How is the infection treated?
- Antibiotics - 10-day course of penicillin or amoxicillin
- Symptom relief - over the counter (OTC) medicines like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to ease throat pain and fever, home remedies such as gargling with warm salt water, cold treats like popsicles or ice cream
- Ample rest and hydration
If the infection is left untreated, strep can sometimes lead to complications like rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart) or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a kidney problem)
Diagnosis
Ok, we have been going on and on details about Streptococcus pyogenes, but the main question is "how do I know if I contracted Strep pyogenes? Is this a regular sore throat of did I just get strep?" Well, fret not. There is a test called Rapid strep test. This throat swab test, however, still has to be done at clinics or hospitals in Singapore.
Rapid strep test works exactly like the conventional Covid-19 test kits sold and used. The image below, taken from accubiotech, shows the procedure for Strep A testing.
References
About group A strep infection. (2024, March 1). Group a Strep Infection. https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/index.html
Higuera, V. (2023, February 6). Everything you need to know about strep throat. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/strep-throat
StrEp A, Strep A rapid test, rapid test, screening test, rapid test manufacturer. (n.d.). AccuBioTech Co., Ltd. https://www.accubiotech.com/product-strep-a-rapid-test-strip-cassette-%28throat-swab%29.html
Strep throat - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic. (2022, November 30). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/strep-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20350338
Strep throat: Symptoms, causes, Diagnosis & treatment. (2022, December 20). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4602-strep-throat