What is the pathophysiology of streptococcal pharyngitis?

What is the pathophysiology of streptococcal pharyngitis?

Strep throat is caused by infection with a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, also called group A streptococcus. Streptococcal bacteria are contagious. They can spread through droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes, or through shared food or drinks.

What is the main pathogenicity factor for Streptococcus pyogenes?

GAS strains express many virulence factors including surface protein M, streptolysins, streptokinase, hyaluronidase, peptidoglycan, and teichoic acid. Protein M is considered as the main virulence factor, limiting phagocytosis, disturbing the function of complement, and being responsible for adhesion [4].

Does Streptococcus pyogenes cause pharyngitis?

Many viruses and bacteria can cause acute pharyngitis. Streptococcus pyogenes, which are also called group A Streptococcus or group A strep, cause acute pharyngitis known as strep throat.

Where does Streptococcus pyogenes infects in the body to cause infection?

S pyogenes causes inflammatory purulent lesions at the portal of entry, often the upper respiratory tract or the skin. Some strains of streptococci show a predilection for the respiratory tract; others, for the skin. Generally, streptococcal isolates from the pharynx and respiratory tract do not cause skin infections.

How does Streptococcus pyogenes spread?

These bacteria are spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of infected people or by contact with infected wounds or sores on the skin. The risk of spreading the infection is highest when a person is ill, such as when people have “strep throat” or an infected wound.

Why is Streptococcus pyogenes called group A strep?

The name group A (beta-hemolytic) Streptococcus (GABHS) is thus also used. The species name is derived from Greek words meaning ‘a chain’ (streptos) of berries (coccus [Latinized from kokkos]) and pus (pyo)-forming (genes), since a number of infections caused by the bacterium produce pus.

How is Streptococcus pyogenes initiated?

As shown in Fig. 1, it is understood that all S. pyogenes infections are initiated by adhesion of the bacterial organism to human epithelial cells, including those in the oral and nasal cavities and the skin. Bacterial pathogens express various molecules that are anchored in the cell wall as fimbrial-like structures.

What does Streptococcus pyogenes cause?

Life-threatening infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) include scarlet fever, bacteremia, pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (StrepTSS).

Which of the following manifestations is usually absent in streptococcal pharyngitis?

Cough, rhinorrhea, hoarseness, conjunctival irritation, and diarrhea are notably absent in streptococcal pharyngitis, and the presence of these symptoms should suggest a non-streptococcal (usually viral) etiology.

What does acute streptococcal pharyngitis mean?

Streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as strep throat, is an infection of the back of the throat including the tonsils caused by group A streptococcus (GAS). Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, red tonsils (tonsilitis), and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

Which five of the following infections can be caused by Streptococcus pyogenes?

Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A streptococcus (GAS), is a facultative, Gram-positive coccus which grows in chains and causes numerous infections in humans including pharyngitis, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, cellulitis, erysipelas, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, necrotizing fasciitis.

What is Streptococcus pyogenes infection?

Streptococcus pyogenes is a major human-specific bacterial pathogen that causes a wide array of manifestations ranging from mild localized infections to life-threatening invasive infections.[1] . Ineffective treatment of S. pyogenes infections can result in the postinfectious sequela acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

What should be included in the evaluation of Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis?

Outline the appropriate history, physical, and evaluation of Streptococcal pharyngitis. Review the management options available for Streptococcal pharyngitis. Describe the interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to improve the outcome of severe invasive infections caused by S. pyogenes.

What causes rheumatic fever in children with S pyogenes pharyngitis?

Rheumatic fever is more likely to occur in children with S pyogenes pharyngitis than in adults with this bacterial infection. Rheumatic fever presents as a diverse set of clinical manifestations with onset of symptoms occurring within a few days to 5 weeks after a strep throat infection.

What are the possible complications of S pyogenes pharyngitis (spp)?

If untreated, a patient with S pyogenes pharyngitis can develop suppurative and nonsuppurative complications. Suppurative complications include peritonsillar abscess, cervical lymphadenitis, and mastoiditis. The nonsuppurative complications include acute glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever.