FORMS OF BACTERIAL INFECTIONS: STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS
FORMS OF BACTERIAL INFECTIONS: STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONSOne of the most common forms of bacterial infections is caused by one of several types of the streptococcus microorganism. While most strep infections are of the type A strep variety, you should be aware that there are actually five known types that cause problems: groups A, В, C, D, and G. Group A causes the bacterial diseases that are most common, such as the following:• Streptocococcal pharyngitis or “strep throat”• Scarlet fever, which is most often preceded by a sore throat• Skin infections (impetigo, etc.)• Focal infections limited to a particular body site• Toxic shock and blood infections.Most of these infections are readily treatable with antibiotic regimens. However, resistant forms of streptococcal infections are emerging and pose threats for the future.The second most common form of strep infection is the group В streptococcus (GBS), a type of bacterium that causes illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses such as diabetes or liver disease. GBS is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. In pregnant women, GBS can cause bladder infections, womb infections, and stillbirth. Among men and non-pregnant women, GBS can cause blood infections and pneumonia. Approximately 20 percent of men and non-pregnant women with GBS die of the disease. This has caused increasing concern among health professionals today.*5/277/5*
