Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils. It is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, often referred to as group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. This infection leads to inflammation and can cause a sore throat. Unlike many viral sore throats, strep throat is bacterial and requires medical intervention.
Infants and Strep Throat Susceptibility
Infants can get strep throat, though it is less common in those under three years old. This reduced incidence is partly due to their developing immune systems and less frequent exposure to environments like daycare settings where the bacteria spread easily. Many infants also carry maternal antibodies, which can offer some protection.
The bacteria spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Infants typically have less direct contact with many people, limiting their exposure. However, they can still contract the infection through close contact with family members or caregivers who may be carriers or symptomatic.
Infants who become infected may not display typical symptoms seen in older children. They are sometimes asymptomatic carriers, meaning they carry the bacteria without showing signs of illness, or they may experience milder symptoms. This can make diagnosis more challenging.
Recognizing Strep Throat in Infants
Identifying strep throat in infants can be challenging because their symptoms often differ from those in older children or adults. Unlike a classic sore throat with painful swallowing, infants may not present with these specific complaints. Parents should look for more general signs of illness.
Common symptoms in infants include fussiness, irritability, and a refusal to feed or poor appetite. They may also develop a fever. Other possible indicators are nasal discharge, vomiting, or diarrhea.
A fine, red rash, sometimes described as feeling like sandpaper, known as scarlet fever, can also occur with strep throat in infants, appearing on the torso, legs, or arms. Swollen glands in the neck area may also be present. Observing changes in an infant’s usual behavior and feeding patterns is important; seek medical advice if these signs appear.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosing strep throat in infants involves a physical examination and laboratory tests. A healthcare provider performs a throat swab to collect a sample. This swab is used for a rapid strep test, providing quick results.
While rapid tests are convenient, they can sometimes produce false-negative results. For this reason, a throat culture may also be performed, involving sending the swab to a laboratory to see if Streptococcus bacteria grow. Results are typically available within one to two days, offering a more definitive confirmation.
Once diagnosed, antibiotic treatment is necessary to resolve the infection and prevent complications. Penicillin and amoxicillin are commonly prescribed. Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if the infant feels better, to ensure bacteria are fully eradicated. Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications, such as rheumatic fever, which affects the heart, or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition. Supportive care, including pain relief and adequate hydration, helps manage symptoms during recovery.