Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection
What is group A streptococcal pharyngitis? How is it defined and diagnosed?
Group A streptococcal infection, also known as strep throat, is the inflammation of the throat and tonsils (Anjos, L. M. M., Marcondes, M. B., Lima, M. F., Mondelli, A. L., Okoshi, M. P., 2014). This is a very common disease and there are many viruses and bacterial problems that can cause it. It causes 15% to 30% of sore throats in children and 5% to 15% in adults. The most common time for this to occur is in the late winter or early spring. Pharyngitis effects 11 million people in the outpatient setting each year in the US (Kalra, Higgins, & Perez, 2016).
Patient medical history and a physician exam are followed by a diagnosis. If previous exposure has occurred, it is to be noted and if any other infection could have caused it, that is to be noted as well. A confirmed diagnosis is done by a lab test. Typically, the physician will take a sample by swabbing the inside of the mouth to the throat and place it into a specimen cup to be sent off and checked for a confirmed diagnosis (Haynes, 2018).
Why is it a problem? Describe symptoms morbidity and mortality.
Group A streptococcal pharyngitis is a problem because it causes an irritation in the throat that makes it red, swollen and sore (Weber, 2014). If not treated correctly, strep can lead to complications. Streptococcal infection is spread from person to person by bacteria spreading through saliva droplets or snot, when someone coughs or sneezes. If something is touched after having contact with one of these two things, it could possibly be spread. Symptoms for a streptococcal infection is intense sore throat, chills, fever, headache, enlarged lymph nodes, a swollen throat, and ulcerations. Group A streptococcal infection is made up of 75% of cases are viral and often are associated with more common viral infections, like the flu (Feke, 2018).
Morbidity and mortality could potentially be at a higher risk because of complications of the tonsils by causing high inflammation, irritation and possible blood clots in the throat causing fatality (Barclay, 2015).
What are the major risk factors of the disease? Is there a known agent or cause of the disease?
There are many things that are considered risk factors for strep. Strep throat is most common in children who are anywhere from 5 to 15 years old. Children younger than five can get infected, but it is uncommon to get symptoms, like cough, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea. Adults have a lower probability of getting infected with a rate of 5% to 10%. The infection is more likely to spread due to close contact or if hygiene is not kept up. Another factor to take into consideration is pollution or smoke exposure. Whenever smoke enters your airway it can irritate your throat and make it more prone to infection, same goes for air pollution. Lastly, the time of the year is a major risk factor for strep. It can happen any time, but is more prone to occur in late winter or early spring and typically correlates with the academic school year (U.S. Department of Health & Social Services, 2018).
What is the incidence of the disease? If there is data on prevalence include that too
The treatment for strep has a low incidence of side effects and a high rate of adherence and eradication. Adults have a lower incidence of getting infected with a rate of 5% to 10%. Children have a higher incidence rate of about 15% to 30% (U.S. Department of Health & Social Services, 2018).
How is the disease treated? Prevented?
Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and diclofenac, or analgesic can help reduce symptoms and high fever that occur with strep. Usually a strep test is done to see if group A strep bacteria is the cause of the sore throat when visiting a physician. If a positive test is returned, then antibiotics are prescribed. Antibiotics are typically used to reduce the severity and time someone has the symptoms, and helps limit the disease spread. Strep throat can also lead to other infections like, ear, sinus, skin or even tonsil. Antibiotics should prevent more serious health problems and help with spread of the infection to others. Since strep throat is a very contagious disease the best is to stay away from those that have a sore, scratchy throat as it easily spreads through close contact. (Is Strep Throat Contagious?). One of the best ways to help prevent the spread of strep is hand washing. If soap and water are not available, then an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended. Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, or kissing whenever the infection is prominent (Feke, 2018).