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Streptococcal infections


Streptococcal infections

Streptococcal infections are any type of infection caused by the streptococcus ("strep") group of bacteria.


Streptococci are divided into two key groups:



Group A strep



Minor strep A infections

Most infections caused by strep A are unpleasant, but don't pose a serious threat to your health. These include:

  • throat infections (pharyngitis or "strep throat") and tonsillitis – which can cause a sore throat, swollen glands and discomfort when swallowing

Click on the links above for more information on these conditions.

You should see your GP if you have persistent or severe symptoms of a strep A infection, as they may recommend a short course of antibiotics.

Most people with a minor strep A infection will make a full recovery and experience no long-term problems, although there is a very small risk hat the infection could spread further into the body (known as an invasive infection) or lead to complications such as rheumatic fever if left untreated.

Invasive strep A infections

In rare cases, strep A bacteria can penetrate deeper inside the tissues and organs of the body, and become what's known as an invasive infection.


Examples of invasive infections include:


Click on the links above for more information on these conditions.


Although pneumonia is sometimes relatively mild, the overall outlook for more serious invasive strep A infections is poor. It's estimated that up to one in every four people who develop an invasive strep A infection will die from it.

Group B strep



Strep B in pregnancy

It's estimated that around one in every four pregnant women have strep B bacteria in their vagina and/or digestive system.


Most babies exposed to strep B will be unaffected, but in around one in every 2,000 cases, they can become infected (see below).


Strep B in newborn babies

As newborn babies have a poorly-developed immune system, strep B bacteria can quickly spread through their body, causing serious infections, such as meningitis and pneumonia.


  • being floppy and unresponsive
  • poor feeding
  • grunting when breathing
  • irritability
  • an unusually high or low temperature
  • unusually fast or slow breathing
  • an unusually fast or slow heart rate

In some cases, a baby can pick up a strep B infection a few weeks or months after birth. It's not known exactly why this happens, but it's not related to infection during birth. Symptoms of a late-onset group B strep infection can include a fever, poor feeding, vomiting, and reduced consciousness.


Preventing and treating strep B infections in babies



  • you have a fever during labour

If your baby develops symptoms of a strep B infection after they're born, they will have tests to confirm the diagnosis and will be given intravenous antibiotics as soon as possible.

Most babies who become infected can be treated successfully and will make a full recovery, although there is chance they could die as a result of complications such as meningitis, and some babies who survive are left with permanent problems, such as hearing loss, vision loss, and problems with memory and concentration.

Further information:

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Last Updated: 28/04/2015 12:56:00

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