Streptococci • dangerous bacteria in the throat

Streptococci are bacteria that colonize the throat and (mucous) skin of many people. However, if the immune system is weakened, streptococci can cause tonsillitis, bladder infections or otitis media, scarlet fever and pneumonia. Antibiotics help against this.

Streptococci cause sore throats, angina, and scarlet fever, among other things.
© iStock.com/Paul Bradbury

At a glance:

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How do you get strep?

Streptococci are almost everywhere. Many people carry the bacteria in their mouth and throat, intestines, vagina or on their skin. Most of them don't notice anything. Streptococci are passed on when shaking hands, coughing or sneezing, or using the toilet. Only when the immune system is weakened – for example due to a chronic illness, an unhealthy lifestyle or in old age – do the bacteria cause diseases.

The name Streptococcus translates as chain-shaped berry. The spherical bacteria usually appear as a chain, sometimes in pairs. Doctors differentiate them on the one hand by their effect on the red blood pigment, on the other hand by their cell wall components in groups from A to Q. They can trigger different diseases. Some of them can also be dangerous.

Inflammation in the throat and scarlet fever caused by A streptococci

So-called A-streptococci or Streptococcus pyogenes can cause a wide variety of diseases – especially in winter and spring. The incubation period between infection and the outbreak of the disease is between one and three days. Children are often affected.

An inflammation of the tonsils (angina), lateral cord angina or sore throat (pharyngitis) usually start with a sore throat, feeling sick and fever. In children, stomach pain and vomiting can also occur. When looking down the throat, the typical white spots of the bacterial infection can often be seen.

However, Streptococcus pyogenes can also affect the skin and soft tissue. For example, purulent pustules form in the case of the very contagious bark, especially on the face and legs.

Through small injuries, the streptococci can penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and trigger an erysipelas. It usually arises on the legs and manifests itself as a large, but clearly limited reddening that is painful. Muscle fascia and muscles lying deep in the tissue can also be destroyed by the bacterium.

The childhood disease scarlet fever is also triggered by A streptococci. Scarlet fever is highly contagious. Different strains of bacteria can also cause new diseases of scarlet fever. Scarlet fever usually begins with a headache and sore throat and a rapidly rising fever. After a day or two, the armpits and chest turn red without itching. While the mouth area remains pale, the cheeks are very red. The tongue is initially white, later raspberry red. Dangerous long-term effects are inflammation of the heart or joints.

B streptococci in pregnancy

Group B streptococci become dangerous during pregnancy. Quite a few women have it in their vagina without even realizing it. However, during birth, the bacteria can be transmitted to the newborn. In very rare cases this can develop into newborn sepsis: the baby gets breathing problems and circulatory disorders, the skin becomes pale or even greenish. In addition, the newborn often appears apathetic and drinks poorly. If doctors do not intervene in a timely manner, long-term disorders can result or, in the worst case, the child can die.

Pneumococci cause pneumonia

Streptococcal pneumoniae – called pneumococci – are found in many people's noses. Then, when the immune system is weakened, they can cause serious illnesses. Pneumococci are the cause of up to half of all pneumonia. In addition, these bacteria are also responsible for middle ear and meningitis, colonize the paranasal sinuses and can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis). Some of these diseases are life-threatening, especially for people with weakened immune systems or antibiotic resistance. The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) therefore recommends vaccination against pneumococci for people over the age of 60.

Untreated strep are contagious for a long time

Anyone who suffers from an acute strep infection should be careful in contact with other people. Without treatment with antibiotics, the disease is contagious for up to three weeks. In any case, the risk of infection is great as long as the body is still producing pus. In the case of a throat infection or tonsillitis, the person affected is usually no longer contagious 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment if it works and the symptoms of the disease subside.

When do streptococci become dangerous?

If a streptococcal infection is not treated or if the person concerned is in a very poor general condition, the risk of dangerous complications increases. However, these have become rare in Europe. If the bacteria get into the bloodstream, there is a risk of blood poisoning (sepsis). In very rare cases, the body responds to the streptococci with an excessive antibody response, which leads to the streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).

Long-term consequences after a streptococcal infection are also possible. Acute rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation or neurological abnormalities can occur. However, with adequate treatment, they are very rare.

Treatment of strep infection

There are specialized antibiotics for each of the various diseases caused by streptococci. Usually they are given as tablets or capsules. It is important to take this for the entire period prescribed by the doctor, even if the symptoms improve beforehand. Because whoever breaks off antibiotic treatment early risks breeding resistance to antibiotics.

Preventing Streptococcal Infection

Contact with streptococci can hardly be prevented as they are widespread. However, it helps to wash your hands thoroughly as soon as you come home. Those who pay attention to a healthy life strengthen their immune system – this reduces the risk of getting sick with streptococci. Also includes:

  • Soak up fresh air and sunlight regularly outside
  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid high-fat foods and convenience foods
  • Move a lot, either in everyday life or with sports activities
  • Sleep well and regularly
  • Refrain from alcohol and tobacco
  • Include breaks in everyday life

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