Diseases Caused by Streptococcus Pyogenes
**The bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant cause of human disease, most often associated with infections of the respiratory tract, blood, and skin.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
** It is estimated that streptococcus results in about 10 million mild throat and skin infections each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some of these illnesses can be life threatening.
Strep Pharyngitis
Known as strep throat, this disease can have symptoms similar to viral sore throats. MedlinePlus sites Streptococcus pyogenes as the most common cause of bacterial sore throats.
Symptoms usually involve a low-grade or moderate fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a beefy, red throat with draining white patches. Children may also complain of headache and stomach ache.
- Known as strep throat, this disease can have symptoms similar to viral sore throats.
Rheumatic Fever
Symptoms of Infantigo
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Rheumatic fever is an uncommon, inflammatory complication of strep throat. It most often affects the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. **Symptoms are quite variable.
** Fever, joint pain, and a rash are most common. Chest pain or the feeling of heart flutter may occur.
- Rheumatic fever is an uncommon, inflammatory complication of strep throat.
- Fever, joint pain, and a rash are most common.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a common superficial skin infection in young children, which spreads through direct contact with an infected person.
Small pustules and reddened skin appear most commonly on the arms, hands, and face, although the lesions can occur anywhere on the body. The itchy sores ooze and form yellow crusts.
Erysipelas
Itchy Skin With Pustules
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Erysipelas is an inflammation and infection of the upper layers of the skin. The infection usually begins where there is a cut or break in the skin. Eryispelas produces a very hot, red rash on the face, arms, or legs. The infected areas are raised, with sharp borders. This illness can become chronic, causing swelling of the arms and legs.
- Erysipelas is an inflammation and infection of the upper layers of the skin.
- This illness can become chronic, causing swelling of the arms and legs.
Cellulitis
**Cellulitis can result when streptococcus bacteria invade the skin through a cut or scrape.
** This is an infection of the deepest layers of the skin and usually occurs on the face or legs. The affected area quickly becomes red and hot to the touch.
The skin may appear shiny and swollen. Symptoms of fever, chills, and muscle aches can accompany the infection.
- Cellulitis can result when streptococcus bacteria invade the skin through a cut or scrape.
- The affected area quickly becomes red and hot to the touch.
Necrotizing Fasciitis
Streptococcus pyogenes is sometimes referred to as the flesh-eating bacterium because of its association with the very rare disease, necrotizing fasciitis.
The bacteria enter the body, usually through a minor wound, and begin to release a toxin that destroys the skin and underlying tissues. Symptoms are fever, sweating, chills, weakness, and eventually shock. Death can quickly result without prompt treatment.
- Streptococcus pyogenes is sometimes referred to as the flesh-eating bacterium because of its association with the very rare disease, necrotizing fasciitis.
- The bacteria enter the body, usually through a minor wound, and begin to release a toxin that destroys the skin and underlying tissues.
Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is an uncommon illness that produces a sore throat, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
A rash caused by a strep bacterial toxin appears first on the neck and chest, then begins to spread. The pinkish-red rash has the feel of fine sandpaper and turns white with pressure. The papillae on the tongue become inflamed in what is called a “strawberry tongue,” reports the Merck Manual Medical Library 1. As the rash heals, it begins to peel and flake.
- Scarlet fever is an uncommon illness that produces a sore throat, fever, headache, and muscle aches.
- The pinkish-red rash has the feel of fine sandpaper and turns white with pressure.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is an uncommon but serious illness occurring in association with a primary infection somewhere in the body, usually the skin. Fever, confusion, very low blood pressure, kidney and liver failure, difficulty breathing and bleeding problems develop within 48 hours of the onset of illness. The disease can rapidly lead to shock and death.
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References
- Merck Manuals Medical Library: Streptococcal and Enterococcal Infections
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know. Updated November 1, 2018.
- Basetti S, Hodgson J, Rawson TM, Majeed A. Scarlet fever: a guide for general practitioners. London J Prim Care (Abingdon). 2017;9(5):77-79. doi:10.1080/17571472.2017.1365677
- National Center for Advancing Translational Services. Rheumatic Fever. Updated January 11, 2015.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: All You Need to Know. Updated November 1, 2018.
- National Kidney Foundation. Childhood Infections & Kidney Disease. 2019.
Writer Bio
Kalli Harrison is a naturopathic physician living in Portland, Ore. She graduated from National College of Naturopathic Medicine in the year 2000, and also holds a degree as a medical laboratory technician. Dr. Harrison has been writing health and medical information for patients and clients for more than 10 years.