streptococcus infection

Streptococci belong to the class of bacteria that are found mainly on the skin, in the intestine and in women in the vagina and can be the cause of a variety of infections.

They are divided into groups based on their ability to break down blood (alpha, beta, and gamma hemolysis under laboratory conditions) and their wall structure (groups A, B, C, D, etc).

Examples of streptococcal infections are:

• Tonsillitis

• Scarlet fever

• Erysipelas (erysipelas)

• Blood poisoning (sepsis)

• Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

• Meningitis (inflammation of the brain)

• Urinary tract infection

• Wound infection

• Childbed fever (puerperal sepsis)

A late consequence of group A streptococcal infections can be rheumatic fever and associated heart and kidney involvement. This occurs mainly in the case of an inadequately and untreated infection of the throat.

An example of a streptococcal pathogen is "Streptococcus pneumoniae", also known as "pneumococcus", which can sometimes cause pneumonia (pneumonia), meningitis and otitis media. With the help of the pneumococcal vaccination, however, one is protected against these diseases.

In order to diagnose a streptococcal infection with certainty, the pathogen must be cultivated in the laboratory.

For treatment, the antibiotic penicillin has proven to be particularly effective.

In general, streptococci are bacteria that are found on the skin and mucous membranes and that an intact immune system can normally fight off successfully. However, during sexual intercourse, especially in sexually active women, a streptococcal infection of the vagina can occur, whereby germs that are not normally found there, such as the intestinal germ Escherichia coli, are also frequently found here. If the vaginal flora is intact and the self-cleaning mechanism of the vagina is intact, these bacteria usually do not pose a problem.

However, some factors can form the breeding ground for a streptococcus infection by considerably disturbing the vaginal environment:

• Estrogen deficiency
• Destruction of the vaginal flora through incorrect intimate hygiene
• Diabetes and other general diseases
• Foreign bodies in the vagina (in children, for example, nuts, marbles, Lego bricks, etc.)

The typical complaints caused by streptococci include increased yellowish discharge, which can also smell very bad depending on the involvement of other pathogens, and sometimes pain during sexual intercourse.

After examination, the doctor often finds under the microscope a mixed flora of different germs that live in symbiosis and influence each other positively in their growth.

If the symptoms are pronounced, it is advisable to treat with antibiotics. In most cases, however, it is sufficient to strengthen the body's own defenses and the self-cleaning mechanism of the vagina. In addition, local disinfectant measures can be used to support this.

However, if a streptococcal infection occurs during pregnancy, this can cause problems, as bacteria can be transmitted to the newborn during the birth process. Therefore, a precautionary treatment with antibiotics is advisable.

To protect yourself, the following points can be followed:

• Maintaining the natural vaginal environment (acidic).
• Vaginal rinses, intimate sprays or intimate care products are not recommended.
• The vaginal area should only be cleaned with clear water.
• Change of underwear and towels should be done regularly