Strep infections can occur in the genital area, though this is less common than strep throat. Both Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS) can cause these infections. While GAS typically affects the throat and GBS often colonizes the lower reproductive tract without symptoms, both can lead to genital infections.
Understanding Genital Strep
Strep refers to bacteria from the Streptococcus genus, primarily Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is known for causing strep throat and skin infections like impetigo. Less commonly, GAS can infect the skin of the genital region.
Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) commonly inhabits the gastrointestinal tract and can colonize the vagina and rectum in many healthy adults, often without symptoms. Although GBS colonization is usually harmless, it can lead to infections such as urinary tract infections in adults. In pre-pubertal children, GAS is a recognized cause of vulvovaginitis, an inflammation of the vulva and vagina.
How the Infection Spreads
Genital strep infections can spread through various pathways. Self-inoculation is a common method, occurring when bacteria from an infected area (like a strep throat lesion) are transferred to the genital region. Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person can also facilitate transmission of the bacteria. Contact with contaminated surfaces can also lead to infection, though this is less common for genital strep.
While not typically classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), Group B Streptococcus can pass between individuals through sexual contact. GBS bacteria frequently reside in the vagina and rectum, making transmission possible during intimate activities. In some cases of GAS vulvovaginitis, particularly in children, the bacteria may spread from a preceding throat infection through the bloodstream.
Recognizing the Symptoms
For Group A Streptococcus infections, symptoms may include a red, swollen, and painful rash or irritation on the vulva or perianal region. Individuals might also experience itching, a burning sensation, or the development of small bumps or sores. A discharge that can be watery, yellow, or even purulent may also be present.
Group B Streptococcus, often asymptomatic in adults, can manifest with symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or discomfort in the genital area. It can also cause urinary tract infections, presenting with typical UTI symptoms. Because these symptoms can overlap with other common genital conditions, medical consultation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination of the affected area by a healthcare professional. A swab test is usually conducted to confirm streptococcal bacteria, collecting a sample from the vulva, vagina, or rectum. The sample is sent for bacterial culture, a definitive method for identifying the specific bacteria. A rapid strep test may provide quicker results, though a culture often follows to ensure accuracy.
Once a strep infection is confirmed, treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics. Penicillin and cephalosporins are commonly prescribed antibiotics, chosen based on the specific type of strep and its sensitivity to the medication. Complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. This ensures bacteria are fully eradicated and helps prevent recurrence or complications.
Preventing Spread and Potential Risks
Prevention involves practicing good personal hygiene. Regular handwashing, especially after touching infected areas or using the restroom, reduces transmission risk. Avoiding the sharing of personal items, such as towels or clothing, can also minimize the spread of bacteria. Promptly treating strep infections elsewhere, like strep throat, prevents bacteria from spreading to the genital area through self-inoculation.
While generally treatable, untreated genital strep infections can lead to risks. For Group A Streptococcus, a more severe skin infection known as cellulitis can develop. Rarely, systemic complications like post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (a type of kidney inflammation) can occur, though more commonly linked to untreated strep throat. For Group B Streptococcus, the main concern is the risk of transmission to newborns during childbirth, which can lead to serious infections in infants such as sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia.