What is streptococcal infection

Generally, streptococcal infection refers to infectious diseases caused by the invasion of Streptococcus bacteria into the human body. These bacteria are widely present in nature. After infection, symptoms vary in severity and may affect multiple sites such as the throat and skin. With timely intervention, most cases have a good prognosis. The details are as follows:

Streptococcus is a common pathogen, among which Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus has strong pathogenicity and can spread via respiratory droplets or direct skin contact. When infecting the pharynx, it manifests as sore throat, fever, and redness and swelling of the tonsils. Skin invasion may lead to impetigo or erysipelas, presenting with local redness, swelling, and pain. Some infections cause mild symptoms and are easily overlooked, but if left untreated, they may lead to further complications.

In rare cases, the body's immune response following infection may trigger complications such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis, damaging heart and kidney functions. These complications typically appear several weeks after infection and are associated with bacterial toxins and immune system dysregulation. Therefore, individuals experiencing signs of infection should seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized antibiotic treatment to control the disease.

For daily prevention, personal hygiene should be emphasized—frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and minimizing visits to crowded places during outbreak seasons. Special protection is especially important for susceptible populations such as children and the elderly.