What is the difference between streptococci A and B?

The story at a glance

• Strep groups A and B are the two groups most commonly associated with infections in humans.

(NEXSTAR) – As influenza and RSV move across the United States and elsewhere – in addition to COVID-19 – there are growing concerns about strep throat and the bacteria that causes it, strep throat. Like RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, streptococcus is of particular concern for young people.

As winter 2022 approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is considering a possible increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections in the USA

Two children died group A strep in the Denver area since Nov. 1, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. During this time, the The UK reported that at least 19 children have died from Strep A infection since September 1.

When searching for “strep throat” or “group A strep,” you may also find information about group B strep, or even types C, D, F, G, and H.

Groups A and B are the two groups most commonly associated with infections in humans. There are many key differences between group A and B streptococci, as outlined by the CDC.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS)

What can it cause: strep throat, scarlet fevercellulitis, acute articular rheumatism, impetigostreptococcal toxic shock syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, and post-streptoccal glomerulonephritis. These diseases and/or infections are often referred to as “invasive diseases”. Group A Streptococcus infections”, or (iSGA).

Who is most at risk: Usually school-aged children and adults who come into contact with them. Adults with other health conditions, in addition to the elderly, are also at increased risk.

How it spreads: Respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

What can it cause: Meningitis, bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sepsis. Group B Streptococcus may also cause infections of the blood (bacteraemia), bones/joints, skin and soft tissues.

Who is most at risk: Newborns and adults with conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

How it spreads: Group B strep is found naturally in the intestines and genital tract of some people. Pregnant mothers can pass it on to newborn babies. The CDC says that while it’s “generally unknown” how people spread GBS, you don’t have an increased risk of getting sick from living with or being around people who have it.

Treatment

For both types of strep, the CDC says antibiotics will usually be prescribed by a doctor. For some conditions, such as bone or soft tissue infections, surgery may be required.

In October, Matthew Weissman of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan said PIX11 Morning News that it is essential to get antibiotic treatment for strep throat.

“The big problem with strep is the risk that if left untreated it could lead to other medical conditions, especially rheumatic fever, which can cause all kinds of problems with your bones and joints and , especially, with your heart and your heart valves,” he said. “So it’s very important, if it’s strep, to get antibiotics and complete the full course of antibiotics.”