Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, commonly referred to as "strep," is the most important cause of bacterial throat infection in children. It is seen especially between the ages of 5 and 15; it is rare under the age of 3.

Symptoms That Suggest Strep

  • Sudden-onset sore throat and difficulty swallowing
  • Fever above 38.5°C
  • Patches of inflammation on the tonsils, pinpoint bleeding spots on the palate
  • Painful swelling of the lymph nodes at the front of the neck
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, headache
  • The absence of cough and runny nose (their presence suggests a viral cause)
  • If there is a strawberry-like tongue and a sandpaper-like rash, the picture suggests scarlet fever

Diagnosis

A definitive diagnosis is made with a rapid antigen test and/or a throat culture. At our clinic, evaluation is performed the same day.

What Happens If It Goes Untreated?

The real significance of strep lies in its complications: acute rheumatic fever (which can cause permanent damage to the heart valves) and kidney inflammation (acute glomerulonephritis). For this reason, a child found to have strep must take antibiotics for a full 10 days — even if the symptoms resolve by the second day.

Transmission and Return to School

It spreads through respiratory droplets. The child can return to school 24 hours after an appropriate antibiotic has been started, provided they are fever-free.

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Related articles: Tonsillitis · High fever

This article is for general information purposes only; it does not replace diagnosis and treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, be sure to consult a pediatric specialist.

Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — Specialist in Pediatric Health and Diseases, Gaziantep