Knowra Scarlet fever Scarlet fever Scarlet fever is an illness caused by toxin-producing group A Streptococcus, usually accompanying strep throat. It is marked by a fine, rough-feeling red rash and a strawberry-like tongue.
Group A Streptococcus : A species of bacteria that causes illnesses including strep throat, scarlet fever, and invasive infections. This bacterium causes the infection; particular toxin-producing strains can trigger scarlet fever.
Rapid strep test : A quick test that detects group A Streptococcus antigens in a throat swab. It can provide rapid evidence of the throat infection accompanying scarlet fever.
Thomas Sydenham : A seventeenth-century English physician known for systematic clinical descriptions of diseases. His writings helped distinguish scarlet fever as a recognizable clinical illness.
Kawasaki disease : An acute childhood illness involving blood-vessel inflammation, persistent fever, rash, and changes in the mouth and extremities. Its red tongue and rash can resemble scarlet fever, but its cause and treatment differ.
Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins : Bacterial toxins produced by some group A Streptococcus strains that can provoke fever and a widespread rash. These toxins drive the characteristic rash and systemic symptoms.
Throat culture : A laboratory test that grows microorganisms from a throat swab to identify infection. It can confirm group A Streptococcus when a rapid test is negative or uncertain.
Scarlet fever in the nineteenth century : A period when scarlet fever caused frequent severe outbreaks and high childhood mortality in many regions. Its epidemic history contrasts sharply with the generally milder disease seen after antibiotics.
Measles : A highly contagious viral disease marked by fever, respiratory symptoms, and a spreading rash. Measles also causes fever and rash, but typically includes cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis.
Strep throat : A throat infection caused by group A Streptococcus, characterized by sudden sore throat and fever. Scarlet fever most often develops alongside this throat infection.
Penicillin : A beta-lactam antibiotic used to treat susceptible bacterial infections, including group A streptococcal disease. It is a standard treatment that clears the bacterial infection and reduces transmission.
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