What is streptococcal pharyngitis?
Streptococcal pharyngitis (sore throat), or “strep throat”, is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the bacteria Streptococci pyogenes, also known as Group A streptococci (GAS). What are the symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis? The symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis include sore throat, pain on swallowing, fever, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck, and fatigue. The tonsils are swollen and often covered with pus. The roof of the mouth may have fine red lesions called petechiae. Cough, hoarseness, and runny nose are NOT symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis, but indicate viral upper respiratory infections. It is important to realize that most sore throats are not due to streptococcal infections. When strep throat is accompanied by a red rash and fever, it is called scarlet fever. If left untreated, streptococcal pharyngitis lasts from 2 to 5 days; with antibiotics it lasts about 1-3 days. The rash of scarlet fever fades after several days but can be followed by f
