Why is identification of streptococcal infection important?
Patients benefit both immediately and potentially in the long-term by rapid confirmation of streptococcal cause of their sore throat. Antibiotic treatment provides a quicker reduction of symptoms, shortens the duration of illness and quickly, and efficiently eliminates the possibility of spread of infection to others. • Although rare, more serious consequences of streptococcal infections do occur. Rheumatic fever is associated with heart, joint and nervous system damage and is preventable by rapid treatment of strep disease. • Serious kidney disease that may result in kidney failure may also be a consequence of streptococcal infection. • A throat infection due to strep needs antibiotic therapy initiated as rapidly as possible. The rapid strep test facilitates this goal. What is the traditional test for strep throat? The traditional test for a strep throat has been a throat culture. The major drawback of a throat culture is that the results take two to three days.
