| Group |
Species |
Common Infections |
Haemolysis Type |
| Group A Streptococcus (GAS) |
Streptococcus pyogenes |
- Pharyngitis (strep throat)
- Scarlet fever
- Impetigo
- Cellulitis
- Necrotizing fasciitis
- Rheumatic fever
|
Beta-haemolytic (complete haemolysis) |
| Group B Streptococcus (GBS) |
Streptococcus agalactiae |
- Neonatal sepsis
- Neonatal meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnant women
|
Beta-haemolytic (complete haemolysis) |
| Group C and G Streptococcus |
Streptococcus dysgalactiae |
- Pharyngitis
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Bacteremia
|
Beta-haemolytic (complete haemolysis) |
| Group D Streptococcus (Enterococci) |
Enterococcus faecalis
Enterococcus faecium |
- Endocarditis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Biliary tract infections
- Wound infections
|
Gamma-haemolytic (no haemolysis) |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae (Pneumococcus) |
Streptococcus pneumoniae |
- Pneumonia
- Otitis media
- Meningitis
- Sinusitis
- Bacteremia
|
Alpha-haemolytic (partial haemolysis) |
| Viridans Group Streptococci |
Streptococcus mutans
Streptococcus sanguinis
Streptococcus mitis
Streptococcus salivarius
|
- Dental caries
- Endocarditis (subacute bacterial endocarditis)
|
Alpha-haemolytic (partial haemolysis) |
| Streptococcus bovis (Group D Non-Enterococci) |
Streptococcus gallolyticus |
- Bacteremia
- Endocarditis
- Association with colon cancer
|
Gamma-haemolytic (no haemolysis) |
| Type of Infection |
Description |
Management |
| Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat) |
An infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Common in children and characterized by a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
|
- Antibiotics: Penicillin or amoxicillin is the first-line treatment. Alternatives include azithromycin or clindamycin for penicillin-allergic patients.
- Supportive Care: Analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever relief.
- Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
|
| Scarlet Fever |
A complication of streptococcal pharyngitis, characterized by a red rash, fever, and "strawberry" tongue. Caused by toxin-producing strains of Group A Streptococcus.
|
- Antibiotics: Penicillin or amoxicillin to eradicate the infection. Alternatives include cephalosporins or macrolides for allergic patients.
- Supportive Care: Antipyretics and analgesics for fever and pain.
- Monitoring: Follow-up to ensure resolution of symptoms and prevention of complications like rheumatic fever.
|
| Impetigo |
A superficial skin infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (and sometimes Staphylococcus aureus). Characterized by honey-colored crusted lesions, typically on the face and extremities.
|
- Topical Antibiotics: Mupirocin for localized cases.
- Oral Antibiotics: Cephalexin or dicloxacillin for more extensive cases. Clindamycin or doxycycline may be used if MRSA is suspected.
- Hygiene Measures: Good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infection.
|
| Necrotizing Fasciitis |
A rapidly progressing, life-threatening infection of the deep fascia and subcutaneous tissues, often caused by Group A Streptococcus. Known as "flesh-eating disease."
|
- Intravenous Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum coverage with penicillin plus clindamycin to reduce toxin production.
- Surgical Debridement: Immediate and aggressive surgical removal of necrotic tissue is critical.
- Supportive Care: Intensive care management, including fluid resuscitation and organ support.
|
| Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) |
A severe, systemic illness caused by toxin-producing strains of Group A Streptococcus, leading to shock and multiorgan failure.
|
- Intravenous Antibiotics: Penicillin or clindamycin to halt toxin production and treat the infection.
- Supportive Care: Aggressive fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and management in an ICU setting.
- Source Control: Surgical intervention may be required to remove the source of infection.
|
| Pneumococcal Pneumonia |
Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, characterized by fever, productive cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
|
- Antibiotics: Amoxicillin, or a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. In cases of penicillin resistance, alternatives include levofloxacin or vancomycin.
- Supportive Care: Oxygen therapy, fluids, and antipyretics for symptom relief.
- Vaccination: Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) for prevention, especially in high-risk populations.
|
