Ency. home > Disease > P > Pharyngitis - streptococcal

Pharyngitis - streptococcal    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Strep throat; Streptococcal pharyngitis

Definition:

An inflammation of the pharynx (the part of the throat between the tonsils and the larynx) caused by streptococcus infection.

Causes and Risks

Group A Beta-hemolytic streptococci are the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis. It occurs most commonly from October to April, often in children 5 to 10 years old but also in adults. The infection is spread by direct person-to-person contact with nasal secretions or saliva. The organism may colonize the throats of people without producing symptoms. Small children frequently have symptoms too mild for diagnosis. Risk factors include recent strep throat in family or household members. The incidence is 5 out of 1000 people.

Ency. home > Disease > P > Pharyngitis - streptococcal

[an error occurred while processing this directive]