Question: What is (are) Streptococcal Infections ?
Answer: Strep is short for Streptococcus, a type of bacteria. There are two types: group A and group B. Group A strep causes - Strep throat - a sore, red throat, sometimes with white spots on the tonsils - Scarlet fever - an illness that follows strep throat. It causes a red rash on the body. - Impetigo - a skin infection - Toxic shock syndrome - Cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) Group B strep can cause blood infections, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns. A screening test during pregnancy can tell if you have it. If you do, I.V. antibiotics during labor can save your baby's life. Adults can also get group B strep infections, especially if they are elderly or already have health problems. Strep B can cause urinary tract infections, blood infections, skin infections and pneumonia in adults. Antibiotics are used to treat strep infections. NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Source: MPlusHealthTopics