Strep A Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Sepsis, Tests

Strep A, fully known as Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection is an infection that must be avoided at all costs.

Strep A Causes

Strep A is caused by bacteria called Group A (beta-haemolytic) Streptococcus, the most common of which is Streptococcus pyogenes.  These bacteria often live and thrive in the nose and throat.

Infected people spread the bacteria to the surrounding air during sneezing, coughing or even talking. This creates respiratory droplets within the surrounding air. Uninfected people who breathe around the droplets get infected.

Strep A Symptoms

Strep has a number of symptoms but look out for these: sore throat, scarlet fever, impetigo and headache.

Strep A Treatment

Does Strep A require antibiotics? Appropriate Antibiotics are prescribed by medical doctors for patients with Strep A infection.  Penicillin or amoxicillin is most often the choice to treat Strep A.

Strep A Sepsis

Strep A can cause sepsis. Strep A’s sepsis is most often confused with blood poisoning.

Strep A Tests

How do you test for Strep A? Strep A is usually tested with a method called the Rapid Strep test. This test entails swabbing the throat and testing the swab. The test quickly determines whether group A strep bacteria are the cause of the illness.

Antibiotics can be prescribed if the test is positive. If otherwise but the doctor suspects strep throat, he or she can perform a throat culture swab.