Streptococcal infections
Introduction
Streptococcal infections are any type of infection caused by the streptococcus ("strep") group of bacteria.
There are many different types of Streptococci bacteria, and infections vary in severity from mild throat infections to life-threatening infections of the blood or organs. Most streptococcal infections can betreated with Penicillin.
Streptococci are divided into two key groups:
- alpha-haemolytic made up of two groups, including Streptococcus pneumoniae
- beta-haemolytic made up of several groups, including Group A and Group B streptococci
This topic focuses on Group A and Group B beta-haemolytic streptococci. Read about pneumococcal infections for information on infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017
Introduction
Streptococcal infections are any type of infection caused by the Streptococcus ("strep") group of bacteria.
Group A strep
Group A strep (strep A) are often found on the surface of the skin and inside the throat. They are a common cause of infection in adults and children. They can be spread indroplets in the coughs or sn
Group B strep
Group B strep (strep B) usually live harmlessly inside the digestive system and inthe vagina. Strep B can sometimes cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) , skin infections, bone infections, blood infe
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