Streptococcal is a type of bacterium that is characterized by having a rounded shape and arranged in chain, in addition to having a dark violet or blue color seen under the microscope, so it is called gram-positive bacteria.
A large part of streptococcus species can be found in the body, causing no disease, however, due to certain conditions, there may be an imbalance between the different species of microorganisms present in the body and, therefore, this type of bacteria can multiply more easily, causing different types of diseases.
Depending on the type of strep that develops, the disease and the resulting symptoms may vary:
Streptococcus pyogenes, S.pyogenes or Streptococcus group A, is the type that can cause the most serious infections, although it is naturally present in certain parts of the body, especially in the mouth and throat, in addition to being present in the skin and skin. Respiratory.
How to contract: Streptococcus pyogenes can be easily transmitted from person to person by sharing cutlery, kissing or secretions, such as sneezing and coughing, or by contact with the wound secretions of infected people.
Diseases that can cause: one of the main diseases caused by S.Pyogenes is pharyngitis, but it can also cause scarlet fever, skin infections, such as im petition and erysipela, as well as tissue necrosis and acute rheumatoid arthritis.Acute rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the body’s own attack on the immune system and can be promoted by the presence of bacteria.Learn how to identify and treat acute rheumatoid arthritis.
Common symptoms: Symptoms of S.pyogenes vary by disease, but the most common symptom is persistent sore throat that occurs more than twice a year.The infection is identified by laboratory tests, mainly the anti-streptolysin O test, or ASLO, which allows the identification of antibodies produced against this bacterium.Learn how to understand the ASLO exam.
How to treat: Treatment depends on the disease caused by the bacteria, but is mainly done with the use of antibiotics, such as penicillin and erythromycin.It is important that treatment is done in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations, as it is common for this bacterium to acquire resistance mechanisms, which can complicate treatment and cause serious health complications.
Streptococcus agalactiae, S.agalactiae or Streptococcus group B are bacteria that can be more easily found in the lower intestinal tract and female urinary and genital system, and can cause serious infections, especially in newborns.
How to contract: The bacteria are present in a woman’s vagina and can contaminate amniotic fluid or be absorbed by the baby during childbirth.
Diseases that can cause: S.agalactiae may pose a risk to the baby after birth, which can lead to sepsis, pneumonia, endocarditis and even meningitis.
Common symptoms: The presence of this bacteria usually causes no symptoms, but can be identified in women a few weeks before delivery to check treatment to prevent infection in the newborn. Already in the baby, the infection can be identified by symptoms such as changes in the level of consciousness, bluish face and breathing difficulties, which may appear a few hours after delivery or two days later.Understand how the test is done to identify the presence of group B strep during pregnancy.
How to treat: Treatment is usually done through the use of antibiotics, most commonly indicated by the doctor Penicillin, Cephalosporin, Erythromycin and Chloranfenicol.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, S.pneumoniae or pneumococcus can be found in adult airways and, less often, in children.
Diseases it can cause: it is responsible for diseases such as otitis, sinusitis, meningitis and, mainly, pneumonia.
Common symptoms: With pneumonia, the main disease, symptoms are usually respiratory, such as shortness of breath, breathing faster than normal, and excessive fatigue. Know the other symptoms of pneumonia.
How to treat: treatment is done with the use of antibiotics, which should be recommended by the doctor, such as penicillin, chloranphenicol, erythromycin, sulfamethoxazole-triethoprim and tetracycline.
Streptococcus viridans, also known as S.viridans, is found mainly in the oral cavity and pharyne and has a protective function, preventing the development of other bacteria, such as S.Pyogenes.
Streptococcus mitis, belonging to the S.viridans group, is present on the surface of teeth and mucous membranes, and their presence can be identified by the visualization of dental plaques, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream by brushing or removing teeth, for example, especially when the gums are inflamed.However, in healthy people, these bacteria are easily removed from the bloodstream, but when the person has a predispose condition, such as atherosclerosis, intravenous drug use, or heart problems, for example, bacteria can develop in a certain part of the body, resulting in endocarditis.
Streptococcus mutans, which also belongs to the group of S.viridans, is mainly present in tooth enamel and its presence in the teeth is directly related to the amount of sugar consumed, being the main cause of cavities.
The identification of Streptococcus infection is carried out in the laboratory through specific tests, depending on the symptoms of the person, the doctor will indicate the equipment that will be sent to the laboratory for analysis, which can be blood, throat, mouth or discharge vaginal, for example. .
Specific tests are carried out in the laboratory to indicate that the bacteria causing the infection is Streptococcus, as well as other tests that allow the identification of the bacterial species, which is important for the doctor to complete the diagnosis, in addition to the identification of the species, biochemical tests are performed to check the sensitivity profile of the bacteria , that is, to check which antibiotics are best to fight this infection.