From a strep throat to a deadly flesh eating virus, it’s hard to believe the same bacteria are responsible for both diseases. The Textbook of Bacteriology states 5 to 15% of normal people carry these bacteria in the respiratory tract on a regular basis without any adverse effects. It is an opportunistic germ that will flourish in an immuno-compromised system. This bacterium is responsible for a host of different illnesses and has various ways it can be treated and transmitted.
Transmission
The Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Florida states the bacterium can be found in water, food, soil, animals and humans regularly. Outbreaks of streptococcus in food and water are rare, but the more common transmission is from human to human.
The easiest way for the bacterium to enter the body is through the mucus membranes of the body including the respiratory and genitourinary tracts. Other ways the germs can enter the skin is through breaks, bites or punctures in the skin.
Strep Throat
This bacterium is most commonly associated with the strep throat. The Mayo Clinic states strep throat affects people from ages 5 to 15 more commonly but can infect anyone. A course of antibiotics is usually enough to clear up the infection. Without treatment the infection can spread to the sinuses, blood, heart or even the kidneys, causing a far more serious infection.
Puerperal Fever
Childbed or puerperal fever was a disease women experienced shortly after childbirth. This disease was caused by a form of the streptococcus bacterium. The disease became almost non-existent in the mid 1800s when doctors began washing their hands in an antiseptic chloride solution. According to Medical Discoveries, a health-focused website, physicians earlier gave very little attention to their cleanliness and would fail to clean off even after working in the morgue.
Invasive Fasciitis
This disease is also known as necrotizing fasciitis-caused flesh eating bacteria or streptococcus. The bacterium can enter the skin through a cut or opening in the skin. The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation (NNFF) states the cut can be as small as a paper cut or pin prick. The symptoms start off as a mild warmth or ache in the area of infection and can rapidly develop into flu-like symptoms accompanied by a purple rash and swelling of the infected area. In a matter of days the affected area may develop large dark marks or blisters and then appear necrotic with areas of wasting and white or blackened skin. As soon as these symptoms are recognized, immediate care needs to be taken as this can rapidly lead to death.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the area of the body that is infected and the rate at which the bacteria are multiplying. Often a course of oral or topical antibiotics will treat the bacteria. In mild bacterial cases, the body may be able to overcome the infection on its own. In more serious infections, like acute necrotizing fasciitis, surgery may be required to remove the infected areas.
References
- “Textbook of Bacteriology;” K Todar, PhD; 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Strep Throat
- Mayo Clinic: Strep Throat Complications
- Medical Discoveries: Puerperal Fever
- National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation: Quick Facts
