What kinds of illnesses are caused by streptococcal infection?
STREP infections may have a range of symptoms: • No illness • Mild illness (Strep throat or skin infection such as impetigo) • Severe illness (necrotizing fascitis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome) Severe and sometimes life-threatening STREP disease may occur when bacteria get into parts of the body where bacteria usually are not found such as in the blood, muscle or the lungs. These infections are termed “invasive STREP disease.” Why does invasive streptococcal disease occur? Invasive STREP infections occur when the bacteria get past the person’s defenses. This may occur when someone has sores or other breaks in the skin that allow the bacteria to get into the tissue, or when the person’s ability to fight off the infection is lowered because of a chronic illness or an illness that affects the immune system. Some virulent strains of STREP are more likely to cause severe disease than others. Who is most at risk of getting invasive streptococcal disease? Few people who come in contact
