Knowra Streptococcal pharyngitis Streptococcal pharyngitis Streptococcal pharyngitis is an infection of the pharynx caused by Streptococcus bacteria, most commonly group A Streptococcus. It often causes sudden sore throat and fever and can lead to immune complications if untreated.
Group A Streptococcus : A species of bacteria, Streptococcus pyogenes, that causes strep throat and several skin and invasive infections. This bacterium causes most cases of streptococcal pharyngitis.
Pharynx : The muscular passage behind the nose and mouth that connects them to the larynx and esophagus. The pharynx is the anatomical site inflamed in this infection.
Viral pharyngitis : Inflammation of the pharynx caused by a virus, often occurring with symptoms such as cough or runny nose. Viruses cause most sore throats, but antibiotics do not treat them.
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis : An immune-mediated kidney inflammation that can follow infection with certain strains of group A Streptococcus. It can occur after streptococcal throat infection, although antibiotics do not reliably prevent it.
Streptolysin O : A pore-forming toxin produced by Streptococcus pyogenes and other streptococci. Its antibodies are measured after infection, especially when investigating immune complications.
Streptococcus : A genus of spherical, Gram-positive bacteria that commonly form chains or pairs. The infection is caused by bacteria belonging to this genus.
Infectious mononucleosis : A systemic infection, usually caused by Epstein–Barr virus, that can produce fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. It can resemble strep throat, particularly when tonsils are markedly inflamed.
Peritonsillar abscess : A collection of pus in the tissues beside a tonsil, usually arising as a complication of tonsillitis. Severe or worsening throat infection can require assessment for this local complication.
Rapid antigen detection test : A diagnostic test that detects specific microbial antigens in a patient sample, often within minutes. It can quickly identify group A streptococcal antigens in a throat swab.
Bacterial infection : A disease caused by bacteria entering or multiplying in a host. This broader category distinguishes the illness from viral sore throats.
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