Upper respiratory streptococcal infection

An upper respiratory streptococcal infection is an acute bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract—most commonly involving the pharynx, tonsils, or nasopharynx—predominantly caused by *Streptococcus pyogenes* (group A beta-hemolytic *Streptococcus*) Although individuals of any age can be affected, it occurs most frequently among school-aged children and adolescents Pathophysiologically, the bacteria adhere to and colonize the respiratory mucosa, triggering acute local inflammation chara...

An upper respiratory streptococcal infection is an acute bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract—most commonly involving the pharynx, tonsils, or nasopharynx—predominantly caused by *Streptococcus pyogenes* (group A beta-hemolytic *Streptococcus*)

Although individuals of any age can be affected, it occurs most frequently among school-aged children and adolescents

Pathophysiologically, the bacteria adhere to and colonize the respiratory mucosa, triggering acute local inflammation characterized by a sudden onset of sore throat, fever, tonsillopharyngeal erythema with purulent exudates, and tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, typically in the absence of viral signs such as cough or rhinorrhea

Pathophysiologically, the bacteria adhere to and colonize the respiratory mucosa, triggering acute local inflammation characterized by a sudden onset of sore throat, fever, tonsillopharyngeal erythema with purulent exudates, and tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, typically in the absence of viral signs such as cough or rhinorrhea

Left untreated, the infection may progress to suppurative complications like peritonsillar abscess or non-suppurative sequelae, including acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Left untreated, the infection may progress to suppurative complications like peritonsillar abscess or non-suppurative sequelae, including acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis