[pct-l] Health and Science

[csxii at schizoaffective.org]

On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:28:10 -0700, "JoAnn M. Michael"
<jomike at cot.net> had this to say:

>i for one would rather read up on this then reading about guns!!!!!!
>  Meadow Ed
>------------------------------------------------------
>
>I'll second that.
>
>JoAnn

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/groupastreptococcal_g.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

What is group A streptococcus (GAS)?

Group A streptococcus is a bacterium often found in the throat and on
the skin. People may carry group A streptococci in the throat or on
the skin and have no symptoms of illness. Most GAS infections are
relatively mild illnesses such as "strep throat," or impetigo. On rare
occasions, these bacteria can cause other severe and even
life-threatening diseases



How are group A streptococci spread?

These bacteria are spread through direct contact with mucus from the
nose or throat of persons who are infected or through contact with
infected wounds or sores on the skin. Ill persons, such as those who
have strep throat or skin infections, are most likely to spread the
infection. Persons who carry the bacteria but have no symptoms are
much less contagious. Treating an infected person with an antibiotic
for 24 hours or longer generally eliminates their ability to spread
the bacteria. However, it is important to complete the entire course
of antibiotics as prescribed. It is not likely that household items
like plates, cups, or toys spread these bacteria.


What kind of illnesses are caused by group A streptococcal infection?

Infection with GAS can result in a range of symptoms:
	No illness
  	Mild illness 
              (strep throat or a skin infection such as impetigo)
  	Severe illness
             (necrotizing faciitis, streptococcal toxic shock
syndrome)

Severe, sometimes life-threatening, GAS disease may occur when
bacteria get into parts of the body where bacteria usually are not
found, such as the blood, muscle, or the lungs. These infections are
termed "invasive GAS disease." Two of the most severe, but least
common, forms of invasive GAS disease are necrotizing fasciitis and
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome. Necrotizing fasciitis
(occasionally described by the media as "the flesh-eating bacteria")
destroys muscles, fat, and skin tissue. Streptococcal toxic shock
syndrome (STSS), causes blood pressure to drop rapidly and organs
(e.g., kidney, liver, lungs) to fail. STSS is not the same as the
"toxic shock syndrome" frequently associated with tampon usage. About
20% of patients with necrotizing fasciitis and more than half with
STSS die. About 10%-15% of patients with other forms of invasive group
A streptococcal disease die.

How common is invasive group A streptococcal disease?

About 9,400 cases of invasive GAS disease occurred in the United
States in 1999. Of these, about 300 were STSS and ONLY 600 were
necrotizing fasciitis. In contrast, there are several million cases of
strep throat and impetigo each year.

Why does invasive group A streptococcal disease occur?

Invasive GAS infections occur when the bacteria get past the defenses
of the person who is infected. This may occur when a person has sores
or other breaks in the skin that allow the bacteria to get into the
tissue, or when the person’s ability to fight off the infection is
decreased because of chronic illness or an illness that affects the
immune system. Also, some virulent strains of GAS are more likely to
cause severe disease than others.


Who is most at risk of getting invasive group A streptococcal disease?

Few people who come in contact with GAS will develop invasive GAS
disease. Most people will have a throat or skin infection, and some
may have no symptoms at all. Although healthy people can get invasive
GAS disease, people with chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and
kidney dialysis, and those who use medications such as steroids have a
higher risk.



What are the early signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis and
streptococcal toxic shock syndrome?

Early signs and symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis;
"" 	bulleted list item, level 2 	Fever
  	bulleted list item, level 2 	Severe pain and swelling
  	bulleted list item, level 2 	Redness at the wound site

Early signs and symptoms of STSS;
"" 	bulleted list item, level 2 	Fever
  	bulleted list item, level 2 	Dizziness
  	bulleted list item, level 2 	Confusion
  	bulleted list item, level 2 	A flat red rash over large
areas of the body

Back to Top

How is invasive group A streptococcal disease treated?

GAS infections can be treated with many different antibiotics. Early
treatment may reduce the risk of death from invasive group A
streptococcal disease. However, even the best medical care does not
prevent death in every case. For those with very severe illness,
supportive care in an intensive care unit may be needed. For persons
with necrotizing fasciitis, surgery often is needed to remove damaged
tissue.



What can be done to help prevent group A streptococcal infections?

The spread of all types of GAS infection can be reduced by good hand
washing, especially after coughing and sneezing and before preparing
foods or eating. Persons with sore throats should be seen by a doctor
who can perform tests to find out whether the illness is strep throat.
If the test result shows strep throat, the person should stay home
from work, school, or day care until 24 hours after taking an
antibiotic. All wounds should be kept clean and watched for possible
signs of infection such as redness, swelling, drainage, and pain at
the wound site. A person with signs of an infected wound, especially
if fever occurs, should seek medical care. It is not necessary for all
persons exposed to someone with an invasive group A strep infection
(i.e. necrotizing fasciitis or strep toxic shock syndrome) to receive
antibiotic therapy to prevent infection. However, in certain
circumstances, antibiotic therapy may be appropriate. That decision
should be made after consulting with your doctor.