Streptococcal Pharyngitis Overview

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

• Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, producing erythrogenic toxin, which damages blood vessels and causes a red skin rash.
• Transmitted via direct contact, droplets, and fomites.
• Incubation period ranges from 1 to 3 days.
• Symptoms include sore throat, red tonsils, coughing, sneezing, high fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Treatment involves Penicillin or Amoxicillin.
• Prevention includes regular hand washing and consulting a doctor for sore throat tests.

Scarlet Fever

• Characterized by a red rash and strep throat, primarily affecting children under 18 years.
• Transmitted through mouth and nasal fluids, along with fomites.
• Symptoms consist of tiny red bumps on the chest and abdomen, which spread, resembling a sunburn; texture feels like rough sandpaper; throat is red with white/yellow patches; fever reaches 101°F with chills; may also present with strawberry tongue.
• Diagnosis is confirmed through throat culture.
• Treated with Penicillin.

Complications of Group A Streptococcus Infections

• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of kidney glomeruli, leading to symptoms such as reduced urination, tea-colored urine, foamy urine, high blood pressure, and potential kidney failure.
• Rheumatic Fever: Serious inflammatory condition affecting heart, joints, nervous system, and skin, most common in ages 6-15. Risk is low due to widespread Penicillin use.

Diphtheria

• Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can produce an exotoxin affecting protein synthesis in epithelial cells, leading to pseudomembrane formation.
• Symptoms include sore throat, pseudomembrane causing respiratory blockage which can be fatal, especially in children, and systemic effects in adults.
• Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets.
• Treatment includes Penicillin or Erythromycin.
• Prevention through DPT and DTaP vaccines.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• Highly contagious disease with a 80-100% transmission rate, primarily affecting unvaccinated infants.
• Approximately 5,000-7,000 cases reported annually in the U.S., with increasing incidence since the 1980s.
• Caused by Bordetella pertussis; transmitted through droplets.
• Incubation lasts about 7 days.
• Symptoms progress through three stages:
  • Catarrhal Stage: Fever, sneezing, mild cough.
  • Paroxysmal Stage: Severe coughing fits, often with a characteristic "whoop" sound.
  • Convalescent Stage: Secondary infections are common after 1-6 weeks.
• Diagnosis made via posterior pharyngeal wall culture.
• Treated with Penicillin or Erythromycin, most effective in early stages.
• DTaP vaccination recommended for caregivers and pregnant women.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Historically, TB was responsible for 20-30% of global deaths from 1600-1900s, with current incidence rising.
• 90% of infected individuals clear the infection without symptoms.
• Transmitted through droplets with symptoms including high fever, chest pain, labored breathing, and rust-colored sputum.
• Treatment options: Penicillin, Erythromycin, and Tetracycline.

Other Bacterial Pneumonias

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Major cause of atypical pneumonia in ages 5-19; often presents mild symptoms. Treated with cephalosporins.
• Klebsiella pneumoniae: Causes severe pneumonia in immunocompromised; presents with gel-like sputum; treated with cephalosporins.
• Haemophilus influenzae: Similar to pneumococcal pneumonia; prevalent in chronic alcoholics and immune-compromised individuals.

Psittacosis

• Caused by Chlamydia psittaci, affecting individuals in contact with birds.
• Transmission through direct contact with infected birds’ droppings or respiratory secretions.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)

• Caused by Pneumocystis carinii jiroveci, primarily seen in immunocompromised individuals, particularly AIDS patients.
• Symptoms include difficulty breathing, nonproductive cough, and fever; diagnosed via sputum or biopsied tissue samples.
• Treatment with Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole recommended.

Histoplasmosis

• Causative agent is Histoplasma capsulatum found in bird droppings or bat caves.
• Risk groups include infants, older individuals, and those with chronic lung diseases.
• Symptoms typically include malaise, fever, chest pain, and a dry cough. Diagnosis is via chest X-ray or skin tests.
• Treated with Amphotericin B or Ketoconazole.

This quiz covers the key aspects of Streptococcal Pharyngitis, including symptoms, transmission methods, incubation period, and treatment options. Test your knowledge on the prevention strategies and significance of consulting a doctor. Enhance your understanding of this common throat infection.