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Streptococcal Infections
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Streptococcal Infections

Streptococcal infections are caused by a type of bacteria known as Streptococcus, with group A and group B strains responsible for most human infections.

Overview

Strep is short for Streptococcus, a type of bacteria. There are several types. Two of them cause most of the strep infections in people: group A and group B.

Group A Strep

Group A strep causes:

  • Strep throat: A sore, red throat. Your tonsils may be swollen and have white spots on them.
  • 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

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, intravenous (IV) antibiotics during labor can save your baby's life. Adults can also get group B strep infections, especially if they are 65 or older or already have health problems. Strep B can cause urinary tract infections, blood infections, skin infections, and pneumonia in adults.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat strep infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a definitive diagnosis requires a rapid strep test or throat culture, strep throat typically presents with a sudden onset of severe throat pain, fever, and swollen tonsils with white patches or pus. Unlike viral sore throats, strep throat is rarely accompanied by a cough, runny nose, or hoarseness. If you have a sore throat without these cold-like symptoms, especially if you have a fever, you should see a healthcare provider for testing.
Necrotizing fasciitis is a medical emergency where the infection spreads rapidly through the deep tissue layers. Warning signs include pain that is significantly more severe than what the skin appearance suggests, rapid swelling, redness that spreads quickly, and the skin turning purple or black. Systemic signs such as high fever, confusion, rapid heart rate, or low blood pressure indicate the infection is affecting the whole body and require immediate emergency care.
Yes, prompt and complete treatment with antibiotics is the primary method for preventing rheumatic fever, a serious complication that can damage the heart valves. It is critical to finish the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve after a few days. Stopping early can allow the bacteria to survive and increase the risk of this long-term complication.
While Group B Strep is often associated with newborns, adults over the age of 65 are at a significantly higher risk for severe infections. Other high-risk groups include individuals with diabetes, liver disease, or those who have had recent surgery or invasive medical procedures. These populations are more susceptible to serious complications such as blood infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections caused by the bacteria.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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