What causes GABHS?

Most cases of bacterial otitis media and sinusitis are caused by S pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis; GABHS accounts for 5% to 10% of cases and, therefore, must be considered as a possible pathogen in these conditions.

What GABHS means?

The most significant streptococcal pathogen is S. pyogenes, which is denoted as group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS). The 2 most common acute diseases due to GABHS are pharyngitis and skin infections.

What does a throat culture reveal?

Test Overview. A throat culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. A sample of cells from the back of your throat is added to a substance that promotes the growth of germs. If no germs grow, the culture is negative.

What is gabs infection?

A group A streptococcal infection is an infection with group A streptococcus (GAS). Streptococcus pyogenes comprises the vast majority of the Lancefield group A streptococci, and is often used as a synonym for GAS.

How is GABHS treated?

First-line treatment for GABHS pharyngitis includes a 10-day course of penicillin or amoxicillin. Patients allergic to penicillin can be treated with first-generation cephalosporins, clindamycin, or macrolide antibiotics.

What disease is caused by a streptococcal infection?

Streptococcal infections are caused by any one of several species of Streptococcus. These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure How Bacteria Shape Up) cause many disorders, including strep throat, pneumonia, and wound, skin, heart valve, and bloodstream infections.

Can throat culture detect virus?

A throat culture shows the difference between a bacterial infection and a viral infection. This can help guide treatment. Check a person who may not have any symptoms of infection but who carries bacteria that can spread to others.

How long does a culture test take?

Some types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses grow quickly in culture, and some grow slowly. Test results may take from 1 day to several weeks, depending on the type of infection suspected. Normal: No large numbers of harmful germs are found on the skin or in the wound.

What kind of disease does Streptococcus cause?

Streptococci are gram-positive aerobic organisms that cause many disorders, including pharyngitis, pneumonia, wound and skin infections, sepsis, and endocarditis.

What kind of infections can be caused by GABHS?

In addition to hemolysins (including streptolysins O and S), GABHS may elaborate streptokinase, streptodornase, bacteriocins, deoxyribonuclease, exotoxins, hyaluronidase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidase, and proteinase. GABHS causes many types of infections in children (Table 1 ⇓ ).

What does Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus GABHS mean?

GABHS = group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence; B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence; C = consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series.

What causes streptococcal toxic shock syndrome ( gabh )?

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, similar to that caused by S. aureus, may result from toxin-producing strains of GABHS and occasionally from other streptococci. Patients are usually otherwise healthy children or adults with skin and soft-tissue infections.