Strep is short for Streptococcus, a type of bacteria. There are several types. Two of them cause most of the strep infections in people: group A and group B. Group B strep can cause blood infections, pneumonia and meningitis in newborns. A screening test during pregnancy can tell if you have it. If you do, intravenous IV antibiotics during labor can save your baby's life.
Worried your sore throat may be strep throat? Doctors can do a quick test to see if a sore throat is strep throat. If so, antibiotics can help you feel better faster and prevent spreading it to others. Viruses are the most common cause of a sore throat. However, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus group A strep.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in Adults: Commonly Asked Questions
GBS is a bacteria that is found in the bowel, genital tract, urinary tract, throat, or respiratory tract of some adults. Many people carry GBS in their bodies but do not become ill. GBS can cause mild disease in adults, such as urinary tract infections bladder infections. GBS can also cause serious infections in adults that include bloodstream infections, pneumonia infection in the lung , skin and soft-tissue infections, and bone and joint infections.
Many viruses and bacteria can cause acute pharyngitis. Streptococcus pyogenes , which are also called group A Streptococcus or group A strep, cause acute pharyngitis known as strep throat. Group A strep pharyngitis is an infection of the oropharynx caused by S.