Strep Throat: Understanding Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Strep throat typically does not turn black. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. The infection can cause a variety of symptoms, including a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, headache, and muscle aches. In most cases, strep throat is treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to more serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, and scarlet fever.