Types
Group A streptococcal bacteria can cause many different types of infections, ranging from minor to serious. The bacteria can also cause inflammatory diseases.
The following are some, but not all, of the conditions associated with group A strep bacteria.
Minor infections
The following infections caused by group A strep bacteria are generally mild:
Serious infections
Three infections caused by group A strep bacteria can be very serious and even fatal:
Inflammatory diseases
Long-term health problems related to group A strep bacteria include:
Both are thought to be caused by an immune response to a previous group A strep infection. As the body’s defense system, the immune system is important in fighting infections. But the immune system can mistakenly attack healthy parts of the body and cause damage.
Risk factors for serious infections
Who is at increased risk of getting a specific condition mentioned above varies. However, some people are generally at increased risk of getting a serious group A strep infection.
Viral infectionslike the flu or chicken pox, can increase this risk.
Medical conditions that can increase the risk of getting a serious group A strep infection include:
- Cancer
- Chronic heart, kidney, liver or lung disease
- Diabetes
- Immunocompromising condition (having a weakened immune system)
- Obesity
- Wound or skin disease
Other groups at increased risk of getting a serious group A strep infection include:
- American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
- Persons aged 65 or older
- People who inject drugs or who experience homelessness
- Residents of long-term care facilities
How it spreads
Group A streptococcus bacteria are very contagious. Some people infected with group A strep bacteria do not have symptoms or seem sick. They can still spread the bacteria to others.
Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact. Rarely, group A streptococcal bacteria can be spread through food that is not handled properly.
Respiratory droplets
Group A streptococcus bacteria often live in the nose and throat. People who are infected spread the bacteria by talking, coughing or sneezing. This creates respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria.
People can get sick if they:
- Inhale respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria
- Touch their mouth or nose after touching something with the drops on it
- Use the same plate, utensils or glasses as a person who is infected with the bacteria
Once washed, plates, utensils and glasses are safe for others to use.
Direct contact
People can also spread group A strep bacteria from infected sores on the skin. Other people can get sick if they touch these sores or come into contact with fluid from the sores.
When the wounds heal, the bacteria are usually unable to spread to other people.
Prevention
There are things people can do to protect themselves and others from group A strep infections.
Group A strep prevention activities vary by disease, but generally focus on three important goals:
- Limit exposure and spread of bacteria
- Treat group A strep infections promptly
- Use prophylactic antibiotics when appropriate
