BIOL 134 Lecture Notes - Lecture 23: Rapid Strep Test, Streptococcal Pharyngitis, Rebecca Lancefield
Document Summary
Large variety of species that include many major pathogens. Rebecca lancefield groups: a, b, c, d, e etc etc etc. Based on serotypes - (cid:449)e"ll talk a(cid:271)out a a(cid:374)d b. Some are ungroupable - streptococcus pneumoniae and streptococcus mutans. Virulent strains have a thick capsule that prevents phagocytosis. Most group a strep infections are in children ages 5-15. Strep throat: non-invasive infection of the throat - pharyngitis. Invasive: stays in one part of the body. Scarlet fever: non-invasive infection of the throat. Similar symptoms to strep throat, but causes a red rash on the body. Most sore throats are viral, will pass without treatment. To diagnose strep throat, classic approach = grow culture. Rapid strep test gives results in 5-20 min. Tiny vesicles filled with group a antibodies. Invasive infections may develops into necrotizing fasciitis, (cid:862)flesh eati(cid:374)g (cid:271)a(cid:272)teria(cid:863) Produce enzymes that rapidly break down flesh. Exotoxin a (a superantigen) makes the problem worse by triggering a massive inflammatory response.