Streptococci Diseases

Streptococcus is the genome for a group of bacteria that are normally found on the skin. When a patient has a cut, scrape or trauma opening on the skin, the bacteria enter the tissue and cause disease. Streptococcus bacterium are round, gram-positive anaerobes that are broken into groups. Groups A and B of Streptococci bacteria are responsible for many human diseases.

Tonsilitis

• Streptococci invade the tonsils and form white spots in the back of the throat. The tonsilitis infection is commonly called "strep throat." The infection is extremely painful, and it also has symptoms of fever and lost weight due to painful eating.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

• Necrotizing fasciitis is a dangerous infection in which Streptococci invade the soft tissue under the skin. The bacteria leave puss and destroyed, dead cells as it moves along the body. This is also the disease known as "the flesh eating bacteria."

Rheumatic Fever

• Rheumatic fever is a result of poorly treated tonsilitis caused by Streptococcus. The disease causes endocarditis, which is a permanent condition that destroys heart valves. Rheumatic fever is common in developing countries that have poor access to medical care.

Toxic Shock

• Toxic shock syndrome is a disease that normally affects menstruating women. Although it's common with the use of tampons, it can affect men and children as well. Super absorbent tampons left in place for long periods of time allow for bacteria growth and infection. The patient has a rapid drop in blood pressure, fever and seizures.

Pneumonia

• Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus is called pneumococcus. It can also be a side effect from improper treatment of tonsilitis. The bacteria invades the lungs and can enter the central nervous system, causing meningitis. This is common among young children.