What is
a Streptococcal Infection? It is difficult to discuss streptococcal infection
without first making it clear that there are many types of strep
bacteria. Those most commonly causing illness in children (not
newborns) and adults include what is known as Group A strep (GAS)
or Streptococcal pyogenes. Another type of streptococcal infection
often most dangerous to newborns is Group B strep (GBS) or S.
agalactiae. Some other forms of streptococcal infections may be
caused by other groups of strep bacteria and may be more commonly
found on animals but won’t typically affect humans.
It’s thus important to understand that streptococcal infection can
mean much more than a bout of the common strep throat, or its
complication, scarlet fever. Instead, GAS can result in many
different types of infections and affect many different parts of
the body. It would be fair to state that some of the following
areas could be affected by streptococcal infection with GAS:
Lungs
Skin
Tonsils
Sinuses
Ears
Blood stream
Reproductive system, vagina or anus
Cardiac system
Mouth
Group B streptococcal infection is most commonly associated with
infection in newborns, particularly in causing certain types of
pneumonia. It may also cause pneumonia in people who are elderly
or who have suppressed immune systems. Method of transmission for
babies tends to occur if a mother harbors this bacteria in the
vagina or anus, and she may have no outward sign that she has this
form of strep.
Many obstetricians now routinely look for Group B strep and may
treat a laboring mom with intravenous antibiotics to prevent this
streptococcal infection in newborns. Though babies who develop
Group B strep may recover with treatment, there still exists an
alarming 3% death rate associated with this infection, and it is
most dangerous to babies born prematurely. A mom who labors
quickly and doesn’t have time for at least four hours of IV
antibiotics before delivering may be able to prevent this
infection by having a Cesarean section instead.
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