DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

Infectious Disease

Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat)

LOW SEVERITY

A bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS). Common in children but can affect all ages. If untreated, can lead to serious complications including rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Global Affected

616.0M

Countries

111

Symptoms

Sore throat

Painful swallowing

Fever

Red, swollen tonsils

White patches on tonsils

Tiny red spots on roof of mouth

Swollen lymph nodes

Headache

Rash (scarlet fever)

Treatment Options

Penicillin V

Amoxicillin

Cephalexin (penicillin allergy)

Azithromycin (penicillin allergy)

Clindamycin

Pain relievers

Throat lozenges

Fluids

Risk Factors

1Age 5-15

2Close contact with infected person

3Crowded conditions

4School/daycare

5Winter/spring season

6Household exposure

Diagnostic Methods

1Rapid antigen detection test
2Throat culture
3Clinical Centor/McIsaac criteria
4Physical examination

Prognosis

Excellent with antibiotics; symptoms improve within 24-48 hours. Complications rare with treatment. Without treatment: self-limiting but increased complication risk.

Prevention

Hand washing
Avoiding close contact
Not sharing utensils
Covering coughs/sneezes
Staying home when ill
Vaccine (in development)

Research Status

Penicillin remains first-line; no resistance. Short-course antibiotics effective. Research into vaccine development challenging due to many serotypes. Rapid antigen detection tests widely used. No benefit from antibiotics for viral pharyngitis.

Sources

https://www.idsociety.org
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.