Streptococcus Pyogenes is More than Strep Throat Essay

Streptococcus Pyogenes: More than Strep Throat S. pyogenes infections may vary from mild to life-threatening with a plethora of symptoms due to the many types of infections it causes. This bacterium is responsible for the diseases of pharyngitis, rheumatic fever, impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and toxic shock syndrome, just to name a few. Each of these infections has its own unique set of symptoms as will be explored in depth below. Streptococcus Pyogenes is a very diverse bacteria with effects ranging from nothing or a mild sore throat, to flesh eating disease, causing death in 40-60% of patients. The major and most common illnesses associated with this bacteria†¦show more content†¦Initial diagnosis of Streptococcal pharyngitis is determined by a point system awarding 1 point for each of the following; temperature greater than 38 C, absence of cough, tender anterior cervical lymph nodes, tonsillar swelling, age younger than 15, subtracting a point for age older than 45. If these symptoms are met, a rapid strep test will be performed before antibiotics are given, a precaution taken to prevent super-bugs from developing. If a streptococcal infection such as pharyngitis or scarlet fever is left untreated, there is a small (~3%) chance that within approximately 20 days, the patient will present with rheumatic fever. After the first bout of rheumatic fever, if the host acquires a second untreated S. Pyogenes infection, the chance of coming down with rheumatic fever jumps substantially to ~50%. Most often this secondary disease will strike people aged 6-15 years old, roughly 20 days after the streptococcal infection, with a 2-5% mortality rate. One of the major diagnostic symptoms of this disease is Erythema Marginatum, snake- or ring-like eruptions covering the trunk, upper arms, and legs. Other symptoms include fever, arthritis (elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles), swollen joints, pain in the abdomen, nodulesShow MoreRelatedContraction and Spread of Streptococcus pyogenes1328 Words   |  6 PagesContraction and Spread of Streptococcus pyogenes Abstract: Streptococcus pyogenes is a very common bacteria found in humans. It is very transmissible and can be caught through the air via coughing or sneezing. This form of Strep. illness is referred to as Streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as Strep. throat, which can complicate into Scarlet Fever. 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