Strep refers to common bacterial infections that can affect various parts of the body. This article clarifies how strep bacteria are transmitted, specifically addressing questions about sexual contact.
Understanding Strep Bacteria
Streptococcus is a type of bacteria, with several groups capable of causing human infections. Two common types are Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Group A Streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes, is primarily responsible for infections in the throat and on the skin. It causes conditions such as strep throat and impetigo.
Group B Streptococcus, or Streptococcus agalactiae, commonly resides in the gastrointestinal and lower genital tracts of healthy adults. While usually harmless in adults, GBS can cause serious infections in newborns, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Adults, especially those with underlying health conditions or who are older, can also develop GBS infections such as urinary tract infections or bloodstream infections.
Common Ways Strep Spreads
Group A Streptococcus infections typically spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Other individuals can become infected by breathing in these droplets or by touching surfaces contaminated with droplets and then touching their nose or mouth. Sharing personal items like drinking glasses or eating utensils can also spread these bacteria.
Skin infections, such as impetigo caused by GAS, are commonly transmitted through direct contact with infected skin lesions or their fluids. This can occur through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated items like towels or clothing. Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items are preventive measures.
Strep and Sexual Transmission
Group A Streptococcus, which causes strep throat, is not categorized as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Its primary transmission method involves respiratory droplets and direct contact with oral or nasal secretions, rather than sexual fluids or intimate sexual contact in the manner of traditional STIs. While uncommon, GAS can be transmitted through oral secretions during unprotected oral sex, leading to oral infections.
Group B Streptococcus is also not considered a sexually transmitted infection. It is a common bacterium naturally present in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of many healthy individuals, without causing symptoms. Although GBS can be passed between individuals through direct physical contact, including during sexual activity, this does not mean it functions as an STI like gonorrhea or chlamydia, which primarily cause genital symptoms and spread sexually. Transmission of GBS from a pregnant individual to their newborn occurs during labor and delivery, which is distinct from sexual transmission between adults.