More About Group A Strep
Group A
(ß-hemolytic) Streptococcus
This is a
group of bacteria that are spherical and gram positive, and it grows in chains.
This bacteria causes skin problems from relatively benign to
life-threatening. Certain strains of Streptococcus produce toxins that determine how
devastating the infection is on the human host. It is a very common bacterial infection. These infections occur on
the skin or in the throat and mouth. Group A Streptococcus
is found world-wide, and the natural host are humans. There are other groups of Streptococcus: Group B, C, D, and G.
The virulence factors for Group A Streptococcus is the proteins it releases. Each strain releases a different array of proteins to attach to a host, avoid immune detection, and fan out through the host's tissues. The hyaluronic acid capsule protects the bacterium from phagocytosis of the immune system. Other proteins that effect the virulence are the M-protein, F-protein, and lipoteichoic acid. It is the M-protein that inhibits phagocytosis; however, it is also the M-protein that antibodies use to identify the bacterium, but the M-protein is unique to each strain of Streptococcus. There are at least 100 different serotypes of M-protein.
Aside from the M-protein, F-protein, and lipoteichoic acid, Streptococcus releases Streptolysin O and S, Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (SPE) A and C, Streptokinase, Hyaluronidase, Streptodornase, C5a peptidase, and Streptococcal chemokine protease. Each protein causes a different reaction to the immune system and the host. It is possible to diagnose based on the proteins present.
Group A Streptococcus causes necrotizing fasciitis (NF), Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), strep throat, impetigo, scarlet fever, and rheumatic fever depending on the strain. However, NF and STSS are the deadliest of infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. Each infection is caused by a different strain of Group A Streptococcus.
The statistics on prevalence vary from source to source. However, the CDC reports that there were approximately 9,400 cases of invasive Group A Streptococcus reported in 1999, 1,500 result in death, and there are over a million cases of strep throat and impetigo reported yearly within the United States. There are over 10 million cases a year world-wide.
Goals: I intend to raise awareness of these diseases while providing materials to reduce transmission and improve treatment of those who have been infection. A multi-pronged approach will attack the bacteria from all sides to help reduce virulence and infection rate. Group A Streptococcus is a very common bacteria that is teetering on the verge of antibiotic resistance. If action is not taken now, these bacteria will evolve in a similar way to Staphylococcus as antibiotic resistant and increased in virulence. However, if steps are taken now to prevent transmission, to lower it a significant amount, then the virulence would decrease and fewer children would be infected. This approach, fueled by a hypothetical $5 million, will help to reduce the transmission of Streptococcus.
Disclaimer: This is a hypothetical $5 million for a school report.
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