Introduction:
Gram-positive aerobic streptococci are responsible for a wide range of illnesses, such as pharyngitis, pneumonia, wound and skin infections, sepsis, and endocarditis. The symptoms depend on the affected organ. Skin and throat infections caused by Group A streptococcus have frequently been linked to "Strep" infections (S. pyogenes). However, mild to severe infections have also been linked to non group A streptococci. Human respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems are known to be colonized by group B, group C, and group G, and viridans group streptococci (VGS). When the correct circumstances exist, these bacteria become pathogenic.
What Are Group C and Group G Streptococci?
Group C and Group G Streptococci are frequently asymptomatic colonizers of the skin, gastrointestinal system, and female reproductive system and are part of the natural commensal flora of the human upper airway. They are also linked to pharyngitis, bacteremia and endocarditis, septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, puerperal infections, meningitis, and mono- and polymicrobial infections of the skin and soft tissues. They have been linked anecdotally to glomerulonephritis and have been explored in relation to their relationship with rheumatic fever. The second most frequent condition in this group is a skin infection. Other infections include bacteremia, endocarditis, meningitis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, pneumonia, toxic shock-like syndrome, and rhabdomyolysis. Puerperal and newborn infections are also common. Patients with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, chronic lung or heart disease, alcoholism, cancer, or immunosuppressive medication are usually found to have infections with these species. In addition, Group C streptococci are frequent animal pathogens, and many individuals with this infection have a history of animal exposure.
Streptococcus equi and Streptococcus canis are the primary human pathogens among the several species of bacteria that make up group C and group G streptococci. These bacteria frequently cause infections of the skin, soft tissues, and throats. Invasive infections including bacteremia, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's lining), and bone and joint infections can also be brought on by group C and group G streptococci. Following both localized and invasive diseases, toxic shock is possible. Person-to-person contact, such as sneezing, coughing, or touching an open wound, is how group C and group G streptococcal infections mostly spread. Antibiotics can be used to treat Group C and G streptococcal infections.
What Are the Most Common Infections Caused by Group C and Group G Streptococci?
1. Pharyngitis:
Although Group C and G streptococci are frequently present as part of the natural microbiota in the human pharynx, they are now increasingly being identified as potential pharyngitis triggers. Pharyngitis also referred to as sore throat, is a pharyngeal inflammation that causes sore throats. It is common for diseases like cold or flu to be accompanied by pain or irritation in the throat, which can happen with or without swallowing. Measles and adenovirus, which are one of the causes of the common cold, chickenpox, croup, and whooping cough, are among the other causes of pharyngitis. Sometimes pharyngitis calls for medical attention. This is especially true if a bacterial infection is the cause. The healthcare provider will recommend antibiotics in such cases.
2. Pneumonia:
Group C streptococcal pneumonia frequently has a severe course, a protracted febrile phase, and empyema as a complication. Isolation of the patient, penicillin G medication, drainage, and breathing support are all components of appropriate management.
3. Impetigo or Pyoderma and Erysipelas:
Impetigo, often known as pyoderma, is a highly contagious superficial bacterial skin condition. Impetigo, erysipelas, and cellulitis are the terms of the infections that affect the superficial keratin layer, epidermis, and subcutaneous tissue, respectively. Streptococci isolated from pyodermal lesions are typically serogroup A, but on occasion, strains of serogroup C and G. S. pyogenes are also the cause. Pyoderma starts as a papule that quickly develops into a vesicle that is encircled by an erythematous region. The vesicular lesions develop into pustules that progressively grow and eventually degenerate over the course of four to six days to form distinctive thick crusts. They are transient and rarely clinically identified. Slowly healing lesions leave patches that are depigmented.
Additionally, the cutaneous lesion starts off as a small patch of erythema and swelling that expands quickly with elevated, distinct red edges from the surrounding healthy tissue.
4. Endocarditis:
A potentially fatal inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves is known as endocarditis. The endocardium is the term for this lining. A heart valve infection is one that affects the inner lining of the heart. Large valvular vegetations may be linked to embolic problems, which are frequently seen.
The most common cause of endocarditis is when bacteria from other parts of the body enter the bloodstream and adhere to the heart's damaged tissue. Most at risk are those who have various cardiac diseases or damaged or prosthetic heart valves. Depending on the infection's severity. Symptoms might range from fevers and chills to fatigue. Antibiotics are the major treatment. Surgery is sometimes necessary.
5. Septic Arthritis:
At any age, septic arthritis can develop. It most frequently affects kids under the age of three. In babies, the hip is frequently the location of infection. A painful joint infection known as septic arthritis can result from pathogens that enter the bloodstream from another area of the body. Septic arthritis can also develop when an injury that penetrates the skin, like an animal bite or trauma, allows bacteria to enter the joint. Initially, antibiotics are often administered through a vein in the arm. People might be able to transition to oral antibiotics later on.
6. Cellulitis and Wound Infections:
Streptococcal cellulitis, an acute, rapidly spreading inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, commonly develops when a burn, a wound, or a surgical incision becomes infected. However, it can also happen after a minor trauma. Localized discomfort, soreness, swelling, and erythema are examples of clinical findings. When smear or culture results are positive, aspirate or biopsy samples taken from active cellulitis areas are beneficial. Cephalosporin or penicillinase-resistant penicillin is typically used as a therapy.
7. Puerperal Sepsis:
Following an abortion or normal birth, puerperal sepsis occurs when streptococci colonize the vaginal vault or are spread by healthcare practitioners, infecting the endometrium and adjacent tissues, lymphatics, and circulation. Utilizing antibiotics, this illness is treated.
8. Neonatal Sepsis
Neonatal sepsis can occasionally be caused by Group G streptococci. Biochemical and serological techniques are typically used to identify bacteria. According to research, penicillin medication has good results for neonates.
How Are Group C and Group G Streptococci Infections Diagnosed?
The identification of the organism in a culture from a clinical specimen is necessary for the diagnosis of infection caused by Group C and Group G streptococci. Serologic grouping can be used to microbiologically identify large-colony beta-hemolytic streptococci as Group C and Group G streptococci.
How Are Group C and Group G Streptococci Infections Treated?
The preferred medication for treating Group C and Group G streptococcal infections is penicillin. Vancomycin, Cephalosporins, and Macrolides are also considered to be effective treatments.
Conclusion:
The immune system activates in reaction to an infection. White blood cells, antibodies, and other systems get to work removing the foreign intruder from the body. In fact, many of the symptoms that a person experiences during an infection—such as fever, malaise, headaches, and rashes—are caused by the efforts of the immune system to get rid of the infection. In addition, seeking medical attention will always help in managing such infections.
