The term 'Streptococcus bacteria' does not strike fear and is virtually innocuous. Well, that is not correct, for there exist strains of these bacterial types, which cause very severe, even fatal infections. This paper delves into two particularly maligned complications of infections by these bacteria: Toxic Shock Syndrome and Necrotizing Fasciitis.
Streptococcus: A Double-Edged Sword
There are many types of Streptococcus bacteria; some are mutually beneficial, others are pathogenic. They inhabit our skin and pharynx without exhibition of any infections, but under certain circumstances, they can enter our body and cause infections. Group A Streptococcus, or Strep A, is responsible for many yuck, but relatively common, infections such as a sore throat and impetigo. But occasionally, GAS causes severe, life-threatening diseases, such as TSS and NF.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): A Race Against Time
Now, imagine that a patient wakes up one day with a raging fever, the chills, and vomiting, all accompanied by an erythematous, sunburn-like rash. This would be TSS, an explosive illness caused by streptococcal exotoxins. These exotoxins initiate a massive cytokine storm, or a sudden increase of immune system signaling molecules, thus precipitating shock and multiorgan failure. It is a fulminant illness with a rapid onset; even more quickly, diagnosis needs to be made, and appropriate treatment initiated, consisting of antibiotics and supportive measures, to allow survival.
Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF): The Nightmare of the Flesh
NF, more popularly called the flesh-eating disease, is a terrifying infection that actually decays the deep layers of skin, muscle, and tissue. Innocently starting with slight redness and swelling, it progresses rapidly into intense pain, discoloration, and blisters. The condition is considered a medical emergency, and the only remedy is immediate surgery to remove the infected tissue, with aggressive use of antibiotics.
The Common Enemy: Streptococcal Infections
Both TSS and NF can develop from supposedly minor skin cuts or infections, like strep throat. Common early symptoms of these complications are:
Redness, swelling, and pain at the site of infection is increasing quickly
Elevated fever with chills
Nausea, vomiting and dizziness
Confusion, incoherence
Prevention of the Bite
The better news is that nearly all infections caused by Streptococcus are mild and are resolved by simple treatments with antibiotics. Take these steps to protect yourself:
Maintain clean hygiene: Be sure to wash your hands frequently and keep wounds and skin clean.
Treat infections, such as strep throat, promptly with proper antibiotics.
Understand the early signs of TSS and NF, and if either is suspected, be sure to seek medical help promptly.
Of course, though living with streptococcus bacteria is common, you will need vigilance. This being the case, you may be able to turn the tables on these life-threatening infections with the recognition of severe signs of complication and seeking medical help as soon as possible.
0 Comments