Prof. Roni Wolf on a predatory bacterium (Editor: Nir Chen)
Parents throughout the UK have been asked in recent days to pay attention to the symptoms of strep A infection in their children, following an alarming increase in the number of cases, which has already led to the death of 9 young people.
The British Health Agency (UKHSA) has issued an extraordinary warning to parents, saying to seek medical help as soon as possible if they recognize the signs of the disease in children, in order to prevent the infection from becoming serious.
Strep A usually causes mild illness, but according to reports in the UK, an invasive form of the bacteria, known as iGAS, has increased this year, especially in children under 10. According to British media reports, in a typical winter one or two children under 10 die from the bacteria, However, this year, so far, 9 children have already died, and the concern is growing that there will be more tragic cases.
What is Strep A?
Strep A (abbreviation of Streptococcus A) is actually a family of bacteria that belongs to the gram-positive cocci (spherical-shaped) group of bacteria (a special type of staining that characterizes this group of bacteria).
The bacterium can cause a wide variety of infections - from only a mild illness to a life-threatening illness.
Infection with the bacteria occurs by direct contact with mucous membranes or infected skin.
From strep throat to a predatory bacteria.
3D simulation of the streptococcus bacterium (photo: ShutterStock)
Among the diseases caused by the bacterium, the most well-known is pharyngitis, as well as rubella and impetigo, which are skin infections.
These diseases are considered mild, but they may have complications, such as: Necrotizing fasciitis (necrotic diaper) which is actually the predatory bacteria, joint disease (arthritis), bone infections (osteomyelitis), meningitis, sinusitis and pneumonia.
Even after the infection passes, diseases such as gout and glomerulonephritis (kidney disease) may develop as a result of the body's immune response against the bacteria.
It should be noted that these complications are dangerous, but less common.
Scary, but important to know:
when do you have to run with the child to the emergency room?
"It is impossible to completely prevent infection with a predatory bacteria"
How do you prevent serious illness?
Pharyngitis is the most common bacterial disease caused by Strep A in childhood, especially in the first years of school, and usually not before the age of 3. The onset of the disease is sudden and characterized by a severe sore throat accompanied by high fever, weakness and fatigue.
The tonsils are enlarged, red and on them you can see dots of white discharge.
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To the full article
The pharynx infection can pass even without antibiotic treatment, but the treatment has two important roles: shortening the duration of the disease, and more importantly - it prevents the complications of the disease.
A throat swab can be performed that identifies the bacteria in the pharynx, but it is important that the test is done by experienced staff members so as not to miss the disease itself.
The skin infections from strep A are varied and usually do not endanger the patient's life.
It is important to be examined by a doctor in any case of sores, rash or widespread redness without a known cause.
Fortunately, in most cases antibiotic treatment will solve the problem, but it is important to take care to take the entire treatment according to the doctor's instructions.
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Streptococcus
Flesh-eating bacteria
Strep Throat
winter diseases
