what types of infections are in the differential diagnosis of strep throat

Group A streptococcal (strep) infections are caused by group A streptococcus, a bacterium responsible for a variety of health problems. These infections can range from a mild skin infection or sore throat to severe, life-threatening conditions such as toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh eating disease.

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What is the best medicine for strep throat?

4 rows · CONSTRUCTING A DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Infection Frequency1 Clinical Syndrome HIV < 1% Primary ...

Will strep throat go away by itself?

What are differential diagnosis for strep throat? Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls When assessing a patient for sore throat, the differential diagnosis should include the following: Other bacterial pharyngitides – Less common causes are Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and groups C and G streptococci.

What is the difference between strep and sore throat?

 · 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). How you get strep throat. Group A strep live in …

What you can eat and should avoid with strep throat?

 · Although there are a large number of visits each year for pharyngitis, the majority of these cases are viral and are self-limiting. However, Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the most common bacterial etiology for acute pharyngitis and accounts for 5 to 15% of all adult cases and 20 to 30% of all pediatric cases.[3][4][5] Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common …

What are differential diagnosis for strep throat?

The differential diagnosis of acute pharyngitis includes multiple viral and bacterial pathogens. Viruses are the most common cause of pharyngitis in all age groups. Experts estimate that group A strep, the most common bacterial cause, causes 20% to 30% of pharyngitis episodes in children.

What can be mistaken for strep throat?

Strep throat is a specific kind of sore throat caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacterium....Viral illnesses that can cause sore throat that may be mistaken for strep throat include:Common cold viruses.Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Influenza (the "flu")Croup.Mononucleosis (“mono”)Measles.Chickenpox.

What viruses are like strep?

You might see white dots or patches in the back of your throat. Your tonsils -- the bumps on either side at the back of your throat -- might be red and swollen, too. These could be signs of bacterial infection like strep throat or oral thrush, or a viral infection like oral herpes or mononucleosis.

Is strep the only bacterial throat infection?

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).

What bacteria causes Lemierre's syndrome?

Abstract. Lemierre's syndrome is a severe illness caused by the anaerobic bacterium, Fusobacterium necrophorum which typically occurs in healthy teenagers and young adults. The infection originates in the throat and spreads via a septic thrombophlebitis of the tonsillar vein and internal jugular vein.

What are the types of throat infection?

The most common one is strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat causes nearly 40 percent of sore throat cases in children (3). Tonsillitis, and sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can also cause a sore throat.

Is strep an adenovirus?

As its name suggests, adenovirus is a virus and therefore has no treatment. It typically resolves in five to seven days. Strep throat, on the other hand, is caused by a bacteria and needs to be treated with an antibiotic.

How can you tell the difference between a viral and bacterial throat infection?

Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.

Do I have strep or something else?

Signs and symptoms of strep throat are very similar to an ordinary sore throat, but in general strep throat has: White patches on the tonsils or back of the throat. Just a sore throat without cough/cold symptoms like a runny nose or congestion. Swollen lymph nodes (right below the earlobes)

Why does my throat hurt if it's not strep?

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, such as the cold or flu virus. Some of the more serious causes of sore throat include tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis (mono). Other causes include smoking, mouth breathing at night while you sleep, pollution, and allergies to pets, pollens and molds.

How can you tell the difference between mono and strep throat?

A sore throat from strep throat will typically lead to enlarged tonsils, and there can also be red and white patches in the throat. Mono will often make an individual feel fatigued, which is typically not a symptom of strep throat. Another possible symptom of mono is an enlarged or swollen spleen.

How do I know if my sore throat is viral or bacterial?

Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.

Who is at risk for strep throat?

Adults who are at increased risk for strep throat include: Parents of school-aged children. Adults who are often in contact with children. Close contact with another person with strep throat is the most common risk factor for illness.

What is rapid strep test?

A rapid strep test involve s swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. The test quickly shows if group A strep is causing the illness. If the test is positive, doctors can prescribe antibiotics. If the test is negative, but a doctor still suspects strep throat, then the doctor can take a throat culture swab.

Why is throat culture important?

Culture is important to use in children and teens since they can get rheumatic fever from an untreated strep throat infection.

Can strep spread to large groups?

Infectious illnesses tend to spread wherever large groups of people gather together . Crowded conditions can increase the risk of getting a group A strep infection. These settings include:

Can adults get strep throat?

Children and Certain Adults Are at Increased Risk. Anyone can get strep throat, but there are some factors that can increase the risk of getting this common infection . Strep throat is more common in children than adults. It is most common in children 5 through 15 years old.

How long does it take for a person to get strep throat?

The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of strep throat: It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to group A strep to become ill. A sore throat that starts quickly, pain with swallowing, and fever are some of the common signs and symptoms of strep throat.

Is strep throat a rash?

The most common symptoms of strep throat include: Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children. Someone with strep throat may also have a rash known as scarlet fever (also called scarlatina).

What is the most common etiology for acute pharyngitis?

Group A streptococcus is a Gram-positive, non-motile bacteria that is the most common etiology for acute pharyngitis accounting for 5 to 15 percent of all adult cases and 20 to 30 percent of all pediatric cases. Patient history may include an abrupt onset of fever, sore throat, and exposure to someone with the disease within the previous two weeks. The following activity emphasizes the essential knowledge necessary for interprofessional team members to have while treating patients with streptococcal pharyngitis.

How many pharyngitis visits are there annually?

Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common complaints that a physician encounters in the ambulatory care setting, accounting for approximately 12 million visits annually or 1 to 2% of all ambulatory care visits annually.[1]  Typically, the incidence peaks during childhood and adolescents and accounts for 50% of all visits annually.[2] Although there are a large number of visits each year for pharyngitis, the majority of these cases are viral and are self-limiting. However, Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is the most common bacterial etiology for acute pharyngitis and accounts for 5 to 15% of all adult cases and 20 to 30% of all pediatric cases.[3][4][5]

What is the goal of gas pharyngitis treatment?

The main goals of treatment for GAS pharyngitis include reducing a patient’s duration and severity of symptoms, preventing acute and delayed complications, and preventing the spread of infection to others.

Can a child have pharyngitis?

However, children under 3 years of age with risk factors, including but not limited to siblings with GAS pharyngitis, may be considered for testing . [5]

Can a physical exam show pharyngitis?

Multiple studies have shown that history and physical examination alone fail to aid the physician in accurately diagnosing GAS pharyngitis in patients. [8] However, a history that consists of a sore throat, abrupt onset of fever, the absence of a cough, and exposure to someone with GAS pharyngitis within the previous 2 weeks may be suggestive of GAS pharyngitis. [9][10] Physical exam findings including cervical lymphadenopathy, pharyngeal inflammation, and tonsillar exudate. Palatine petechiae and uvular edema are also suggestive. [9][10]

What is the most common cause of pharyngitis in children?

GAS is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis in children and adolescents, with a peak incidence in winter and early spring.[2] GAS pharyngitis is also more common in school-aged children or in those with a direct relation to school-aged children. A recent meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of GAS pharyngitis in those less than 18 years old who present to an outpatient center for treatment for a sore throat was 37%, and for children younger than 5, it was 24%.[6]  However, in adults, GAS pharyngitis will typically occur before the age of 40 and decline steadily after that. [7]

Can a physician diagnose gas pharyngitis?

Because physicians cannot accurately diagnose GAS pharyngitis based solely on history and physical exam, the IDSA recommends confirmatory bacterial testing with a rapid antigen detection test.

What is a streptococcal infection?

Streptococcal infections are any type of infection caused by the streptococcal, or “strep” group of bacteria. There are a number of different streptococci, which create symptoms ranging from a mild throat infection to a life-threatening infection of the blood or organs. Anyone can be affected, from babies and small children to older adults.

How long does it take for strep throat to manifest?

Illness typically manifests two to five days after exposure. A doctor cannot tell if someone has strep throat just by looking, so a diagnostic test is needed.

What are the symptoms of a swollen gland in the neck?

The illness typically begins with a fever and sore throat.

Can you get strep throat from a virus?

While anyone can get strep throat, it’s more common among school-aged children 5 through 15.

Is strep throat a mild illness?

Strep throat In general, strep throat is a mild illness, but it can be very painful. Symptoms include sore throat that comes on very quickly, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus), small red spots on the roof of the mouth, and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck. Strep throat may also be accompanied by headache, abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting, especially in children. Illness typically manifests two to five days after exposure.

Can strep A be life threatening?

Most strep A infections cause relatively mild illness, but on rare occasions, these bacteria can lead to severe and even life-threatening disease. Strep A infections spread through direct contact with mucus from the nose or throat of infected persons or through contact with infected wounds or sores. ( 1) Illnesses from strep A infection include: ...

Can strep be treated with antibiotics?

Anyone can be affected, from babies and small children to older adults. Most strep infections can be treated with antibiotics. Streptococci infections are divided into several groups: Group A streptococcus, Group B streptococcus, Group C streptococcus, and Group G streptococcus.

What is the name of the disease that causes a sore throat?

Diphtheria is an acute upper respiratory tract illness that is characterized by sore throat, low-grade fever, and an adherent grayish membrane with surrounding inflammation of the tonsils, pharynx, or nasal passages. 16, 22 In diphtheria , the throat is moderately sore, with tender cervical adenopathy. Case fatality rates for noncutaneous diphtheria (5 to 10 percent) have remained constant for the past five decades. 23 Diphtheria pharyngitis has recently (March 2001) been reported in Delaware County, Pa. 24

How long does strep throat last?

Symptoms of strep throat may include pharyngeal erythema and swelling, tonsillar exudate, edematous uvula, palatine petechiae, and anterior cervical lymphadenopathy. Untreated, GABHS infection lasts seven to 10 days. 4, 13, 19 Patients with untreated streptococcal pharyngitis are infectious during the acute phase of the illness and for one additional week. 1 Effective antibiotic therapy shortens the infectious period to 24 hours, reduces the duration of symptoms by about one day, and prevents most complications.

What causes inflammatory presentation of pharyngitis?

Inflammatory presentations may be the result of allergy, reflux disease or, rarely, neoplasm or Kawasaki disease. In determining the underlying cause and thereby deciding if, when, and how to treat the patient with pharyngitis, the physician must integrate information from the history and physical examination.

What is the presumptive name for serosanguineous nasal discharge?

If examination reveals a serosanguineous nasal discharge and a grayish-white pharyngeal membrane (exudative and extending to the uvula and soft palate) in association with pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and cervical lymphadenopathy, the presumptive diagnosis is diphtheria. The incubation period for Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection is two to four weeks. A confirmatory diagnosis is made by microbacteriologic analysis.

What is the name of the disease that causes a fever, sore throat, and greenish exudate?

Gonococcal pharyngitis occurs in sexually active patients 18 and presents with fever, severe sore throat, dysuria, and a characteristic greenish exudate.

What is scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is associated with GABHS pharyngitis and usually presents as a punctate, erythematous, blanchable, sandpaper-like exanthem. The rash is found in the neck, groin, and axillae, and is accentuated in body folds and creases (Pastia’s lines). 1, 4, 19 The pharynx and tonsils are erythematous and covered with exudates. The tongue may be bright red with a white coating (strawberry tongue). 4

Does bacterial pharyngitis cause rhinorrhea?

BACTERIA. Patients with bacterial pharyngitis generally do not have rhinorrhea, cough, or conjunctivitis. The incidence of bacterial pharyngitis is increased in temperate climates during winter and early spring. 16 There is often a history of streptococcal throat infection (strep throat) within the past year.