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A-Streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes)

The facts:

A number of bacteria belong to the streptococcal family. “Streptos” means “wound, twisted“. Correspondingly, these bacteria are arranged in twisted chains when observed under the microscope. One of the sub-species commonly causing symptoms in humans are the A-streptococci. They are responsible for a variety of infections of the larynx and respiratory system and can cause serious complications with inflammation of the kidneys and bacterial “septic” shock including death. It is important to know whether a serious cold is caused by viruses or A-streptococci. If it is caused by bacteria, it should be treated with antibiotics.

What does our test include?

A swab from the throat and tonsils is required to identify the presence of A-streptococci. A cotton swab is used to collect the specimen, a completely painless and easy procedure.

When should you take this test?

If you are suffering from a serious cold including symptoms affecting the larynx and respiratory system with cough, sore throat and/or reddened throat, you can use the test to find out whether your symptoms are a simple cold (caused by viruses) or a serious infection with A-streptococci.

How to use this test? (to instructions)

Please use the enclosed test swab for the identification of A-streptococci. It is used to collect saliva from your throat. A consultation with the physician is not required to collect the specimen.

Please follow the instructions on the illustrations (pictograms), explaining the proper collection of specimens.

How and when will you receive the results?

You will receive the results within 3 days, with sufficient time to consult your physician for the prescription of antibiotics in case of a positive result.

What happens, if the results reveal an A-streptococci infection?

In this case, you should consult your general practitioner or an emergency physician. Because you will be bringing the laboratory test results, s/he will be able to prescribe you the proper drug therapy after a short examination. Infections caused by A-streptococci require treatment with antibiotics.

What happens if the results reveal that you are not infected with A-streptococci?

Your cold symptoms are likely caused by bacteria. Generally, colds are caused by viruses. The symptoms are gradually receding. Drugs are unable to speed up the healing process, but may alleviate the symptoms.

However, if your symptoms increase, please contact your general practitioner or an emergency physician.

Additional information:

Small but powerful

Streptococci are tiny with a diameter of only one micrometer. One micrometer is the size of a thousandth of a millimetre. In other words: a distance of one metre can contain one million bacteria next to one another. This is why these bacteria are able to reach even the furthest parts of the lungs, causing serious infections of the throat and respiratory system. Moreover, they can cause putrid infections on or in the skin as well as Scarlet Fever.

Occurrence

Streptococci of the various classes occur worldwide. They also affect children.

Normally one to two persons in a group of ten carry these bacteria, without necessarily showing any symptoms. However, they may become ill as a result of these streptococci or infect other family members or people close to them with the bacteria.

The bacteria are transmitted through smear and droplet infection, i. e. if a person comes into contact with saliva or nasal secretion containing the bacteria (for lack of washing the hands) or if fine droplets of saliva are released into the air and come into contact with people in this area.

Secondary illnesses

A-streptococci can cause acute infections, including infections of the skin and infections of the nose / throat. Secondary illnesses are possible if the infection is not treated properly. They include inflammations of the kidneys (nephritis), the heart (rheumatoid carditis) or other organs (skin, joints, central nervous system).

Treatment

Treatment of A-streptococci is highly effective.

Generally, Penicillin or an other antibiotic with a similar activity spectrum is used. Depending on the severity of the illness, the antibiotics will be administered at the hospital in the form of an infusion or taken as tablets at home.

How are the tests conducted at our laboratory?

In our laboratory, A-streptococci are identified based on their growth on agar plates.

Do you have any questions?

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