Streptococcal Infections

Question 1

Definition of Streptococcal Infections

Answer 1

Any type of infection caused by the Streptococcus group of bacteria. There are two kinds - Group A strep and group B strep

Question 2

Alpha-haemolytic Streptococcus (Group A strep) Defintion

Answer 2

Alpha-haemolytic which are on skin and inside the throat and spread by droplets or direct contact. Some examples include throat infections, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, middle ear infection, pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis

Question 3

Beta-haemolytic Streptococcus (Group B strep) defintion

Answer 3

Beta-haemolytic step usually live harmlessly inside the digestive system and vagina. Some include UTI’s, skin infections, pneumonia, blood infections, bone infections

Question 4

Step B in Pregnancy

Answer 4

Around 1 in 4 pregnant women have strep B bacteria. This can be passed on to baby through the amniotic fluids or whilst passing through the birth canal.

Question 5

Strep B in Newborns

Answer 5

Most babies exposed will be unaffected, but some not. Due to a newborns poorly developed immune system, step b can quickly spread, causing serious infections.

Question 6

Newborn Symptoms

Answer 6

• Floppy
• poor feeding
• irritability
• abnormal temp
• abnormal resp rate
• abnormal heart rate
• grunting