Streptococci: symptoms in adults and treatment

Streptococci are part of the normal bacterial colonization of our body. However, these can also be dangerous for humans.

Symptoms of streptococcal infection in adults

Different streptococcal species differ in their clinical pictures, but general symptoms for a bacterial or streptococcal infection can be named.

In general, streptococci as pathogens in the body are able to cause inflammatory reactions.
Inflammatory signs of a wound infection are, for example, redness, swelling, heating of the body area, purulent discharge and fever.
Streptococci can cause wound infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, angina and blood poisoning.
Symptoms of angina include a sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, chills, and malaise.
A urinary tract infection is characterized by painful urination and blood in the urine.

If streptococci have been identified using a blood or urine test, antibiotics are the treatment of choice.

Fortunately, most streptococci can be treated with Penicillin G.
The rate of antibiotic-resistant streptococci has increased dramatically in recent years due to incorrect antibiotic intake. Therefore penicillin G is not effective against all streptococcal strains and it is necessary to switch to ampicillin or amoxicilin.
The general rule is: Always take the prescribed antibiotics for as long as your doctor has prescribed or as stated in the package insert and do not stop taking the medication yourself if your symptoms improve sooner.

More information about streptococci can be found here.