Group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, also known as strep throat, is a common bacterial infection of the throat caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It’s characterized by a sudden onset of sore throat, often accompanied by fever, headache, and sometimes abdominal pain. While a physical examination can help, laboratory testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis:
Sore Throat: The primary symptom is a painful sore throat.
Fever: High fevers (e.g., >38.0°C) are common.
Absence of Cough/Rhinorrhea: A cough or runny nose is less common with GAS pharyngitis compared to viral infections.
Tonsillar Exudates: White or yellowish pus on the tonsils may be present.
Enlarged Cervical Lymph Nodes: Half of children with GAS may have enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
Diagnosis: Throat culture or rapid antigen detection testing (RADT) are used to confirm the diagnosis, as clinical features alone cannot differentiate GAS pharyngitis from other types of pharyngitis.