Is strep throat caused by bacteria?

Yes, strep throat is caused by bacteria. Specifically, it is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus (GAS). Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils that can cause a variety of symptoms, including a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and headache. Treatment for strep throat typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria and relieve symptoms.