URMC / Encyclopedia / Content Search Encyclopedia What Do You Know About Streptococcal Infections? Strep throat is just one illness caused by group A streptococcal (GAS) bacteria. Group B streptococcal (GBS) bacteria are responsible for illness in women who have just delivered and in newborns. It also causes illness in people with diabetes. Take this quiz to find out more about streptococcal infections and how to prevent them. 1. What types of infections are caused by GAS? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Infections caused by GAS can be mild to severe. Mild GAS infections include strep throat and minor skin infections such as impetigo. The CDC estimates more than 111 million children in developing countries get impetigo each year. When GAS bacteria get into or invade certain tissues of the body, more severe or life-threatening infections can occur. Erysipelas is a more severe form of skin infection. But it is often easily treated. Although rare, 2 severe invasive GAS infections are necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Necrotizing fasciitis is also known as “flesh-eating bacteria.” A. Toxic shock syndromeB. Strep throatC. Cellulitis or erysipelasD. All of the above 2. How are GAS infections spread? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is GAS infections are spread through direct contact with saliva or nasal mucus. They also can be spread through direct contact with an infected skin wound. A person with strep throat is generally not considered contagious after they no longer have a fever and they have been taking an antibiotic for at least 12 hours. A. SalivaB. Nasal dischargeC. Infected skin woundD. All of the above 3. Who is at risk of developing a GAS infection? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is GAS infections are rare in children younger than 3. GAS skin infections are most common in children ages 3 to 6. Strep throat is most common in children ages 5 to 15. Others at risk include people with a weakened immune system and adults with chronic skin conditions, diabetes, blood vessel disease, or cancer. A. A child older than 3B. A burn victimC. An IV drug userD. A person using chemotherapyE. All of the above 4. If you have a streptococcal infection, which of these is a good way to prevent its spread? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is It's important to thoroughly wash hands for at least 20 seconds after coughing or sneezing. A person with a confirmed case of strep throat should stay home until they have no fever and it has been at least 12 hours since they started taking an antibiotic. A. Staying home from school or workB. Washing hands thoroughlyC. Taking an antibioticD. All of the above 5. Life-threatening infections caused by GBS bacteria are most common in which age group? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is GBS is the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborns. These bacteria also can cause illness in pregnant people, elderly adults, and adults who have diabetes or liver disease. A. NewbornsB. Children ages 8 to 12C. Young adultsD. All of the above 6. Which condition does GBS most often cause in newborns? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is About half of cases of GBS disease in newborns occur in the first week of life. Premature babies are more susceptible to GBS infection, but most of the cases of GBS occur in babies who are full term. Late-onset GBS disease occurs from 1 week to 3 months after birth, most often in the form of meningitis. In pregnant people, GBS can cause infections of the bladder and uterus, and stillbirth. Among people who are not pregnant, the most common diseases caused by GBS are blood infections, skin or soft tissue infections, diabetic foot infections, and pneumonia. A. RubellaB. Blood infection, or sepsisC. MeningitisD. SyphilisE. B and C 7. Which of these conditions makes it more likely for a person to have a baby with GBS disease? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Other conditions that increase the risk include contracting GBS late in pregnancy; rupture of membranes 18 hours or more before delivery; and labor or rupture of membranes before 37 weeks. A. Urinary tract infection caused by GBSB. Fever during laborC. A previous child with GBS diseaseD. All of the above 8. How can GBS disease in newborns be prevented? You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is The CDC recommends routine GBS screening for all pregnant people between their 36th through 37th week of pregnancy. If the screening shows GBS, the person is prescribed an antibiotic. If the person has had GBS at any time during the pregnancy, or is at high risk for it, they will usually be given antibiotics during labor. A. Giving a pregnant person antibiotics in the second trimesterB. Giving a pregnant person antibiotics in the third trimesterC. Giving a pregnant person antibiotics during laborD. None of the above Your score was: Medical Reviewers: Felson, Sabrina MD Sather, Rita RN Watson, L Renee, MSN, RN