These streptococcal infections exist
The different streptococci can cause very different ranges of infections. Therefore, the most important bacteria and their typical clinical pictures will be discussed. Within the group of alpha-hemolytic streptococci, pneumococci (Streptococcus pneumoniae) are probably the most important representatives.
As its name already indicates, they like to trigger pneumonia (pneumonia). However, an infection can also lead to inflammation of the middle ear, paranasal sinuses or even meningitis. The second important member of this group is the Viridans streptococci.
They occur in the oral cavity, intestine and vagina and are often involved in mixed infections, such as caries or appendicitis. Infections with A-streptococci typically lead to acute tonsillitis or scarlet fever. In rare cases, soft tissue or bone infections are also possible.
In the case of B-streptococci, infection with Streptococcus agalactiae is clinically most significant. The infection can, for example, lead to meningitis or blood poisoning in newborns or inflammation of the urethra. Infections of the middle ear or salivary gland are also rare but possible.
The symptoms of an infection with streptococci depend very much on which organ is infected with the bacteria. It is therefore hardly possible to make a general statement. Pneumonia caused by pneumococci is manifested by high fever and productive cough with yellowish greenish mucus.
In addition, the respiratory rate may be increased and a subjective feeling of breathlessness may be present.An acute inflammation of the tonsils caused by A-streptococci tends to trigger unspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, cough or sore throat. Typical are also a dull speech, as well as pain when swallowing and the resulting difficulty in swallowing. Scarlet fever and difficulty swallowing are also associated with scarlet fever.
Scarlet fever is also accompanied by an enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes and the typical strawberry middle ear infection can be caused by various streptococci. The signs of middle ear infection are particularly noticeable in the form of sudden, severe and unilateral earaches. Fever, hearing problems or dizziness may also occur.
It is important to note that in very young children as well as in the elderly, the symptoms can manifest themselves atypically, so that one cannot immediately draw conclusions about the underlying clinical picture. Middle ear infections can be caused by various streptococci. The signs of a middle ear infection are particularly noticeable in the form of sudden, severe and unilateral earaches. Fever, hearing loss or dizziness may also occur. It is important to note that in very young children as well as in the elderly, the symptoms can manifest themselves atypically, so that one cannot immediately draw conclusions about the underlying clinical picture.
