Contraction and Spread of Streptococcus pyogenes

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Contraction and Spread of Streptococcus pyogenes

Abstract:

Streptococcus pyogenes is a very common bacteria found in humans. It is very transmissible and can be caught through the air via coughing or sneezing. This form of Strep. illness is referred to as Streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as Strep. throat, which can complicate into Scarlet Fever. It is also possible to be infected through abrasions of the skin, which can result in cellulitis, impetigo, or even necrotizing fasciitis. Aside from human to human contact, these bacteria can also be found in unpasteurized milk. There is no vaccine for Streptococcal infections, though antibiotics such as penicillin still work very well against them.

Introduction:

S. pyogenes is a bacterium that permeates our society. Today it is commonly known as the cause of “Strep. throat,” or Streptococcal pharyngitis. Modern medicine has caused the eradication of most of its advanced infections, while this most common form of infection still thrives. It is very contagious, and pyogenes travels quickly through places where bacteria flourish, such as schools and health institutions. The body cannot fight this bacterium very well without help, and S. pyogenes was a common cause of death until the introduction of antibiotics in the twentieth century. It has a number of ways to subdue the immune system, but it is almost completely vulnerable to penicillin, even after decades of exposure. While generally no more than a nuisance, this bacterium continues to be an interesting topic of discussion. (6,3,2)

General Contraction:

Streptococcus pyogenes is thought to live benignly within one in five people, and is thusly one of the most common pathogens among humans. Due to its common

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...orks Cited

(1)Christie, A. B. Infectious Diseases. Deerfield Beach: Elsevier Health Sciences, 1987.

(2)Cool Nurse. "Strep Throat." Strep Throat. 2007. .

(3)Lamprecht, Catherine L. "Strep Throat." Strep Throat. Sept. 2005. .

(4)Maynor, Michael. "Necrotizing Fasciitis." Necrotizing Fasciitis. 11 Dec. 2006. .

(5)NIAID. "Group A Streptococcal Infections." Group A Streptococcal Infections. 19 Sept. 2007. .

(6)Todar, Kenneth. "Streptococcus Pyogenes." Streptococcus. 2002. .

(7)Triesenberg, Steven. "What is NF?" What is Necrotizing Fasciitis? 13 Aug. 2003. .

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