Acute Care: Injuries and Illnesses
STREP THROAT
Causes
Strep throat is caused by the bacteria Beta Streptococci Group A. These
bacteria can cause rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis, a kidney
disease. These complications are rare, but they do occur often enough to
warrant prevention.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis of strep throat may be suspected, but requires a throat
culture to confirm. Throat cultures show:
- Normal Flora, which means a virus is probably at fault.
- Streptococci (strep throat)
- Other pathogenic bacteria (beta street, not group A, Haemophiles,
etc.)
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Treatment
Beta Street Group A sore throats should be treated with an antibiotic
for a full ten (10) days. For other pathogenic bacteria, antibiotic use
is optional depending upon the bacteria and severity of the illness.
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