Group A Streptococcal Infections
Alternate Names : GAS Infection
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?
Strep throat is the most common of the GAS infections. Following are some of the symptoms of strep throat:
fever, with a temperature of 101 to
104 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38.3 to 40 degrees Celsius
headache
painful swallowing
sore throat that starts suddenly, without runny nose or congestion
swollen lymph nodes in the neck
white patches on the tonsils
Symptoms of other GAS infections depend on the type of infection and the part of the body that is involved. Impetigo, for example, causes an infection of the top skin layers. Cellulitis is a more serious infection that involves deeper skin layers and underlying tissue. Pneumonia is a lung infection, and septic arthritis attacks joints.
Some GAS infections, especially blood infections, can be severe. These infections can be associated with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. In this syndrome, blood pressure drops. The liver, kidney, lungs, and clotting system fail to work properly.
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