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Antibiotics for Streptococcus Pyogenes

Streptococcus Pyogenes is one of the most common organisms to infect the human body. Its many strains can cause pharyngitis, systemic illness or a variety of lesions on your skin. An acute Streptococcus pyogenes infection may cause strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo or cellulitis. Many antibiotics are effective at treating illnesses caused by streptococcus pyogenes.

  1. Macrolide Antibiotics

    • Macrolides are among the most commonly used antibiotics to treat infections. The most well-known macrolides in the United States are erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin. Clarithoromycin and azitrhomycin are newer macrolides, created with structural modifications that improve tissue penetration and broaden the range of activity. All three are effective against streptococcus pyogenes, but clarithomycin is superior to the others due to its gram-positive activity.

    Penicillin Antibiotics

    • Penicillin is an antibiotic in the beta-lactam family, along with cephalosporins, carbapeneums and monobactums. These antibiotics work by inhibiting the bacteria from synthesizing cell membranes, which causes them to die. Penicillin is commonly used to treat a streptococcus infection, especially in cases of strep throat. Penicillin has been proven to be safe and efficient.

    Cephalosporins

    • Cephalosporins, such as cefazoline and cephradine, are effective against streptococci pyogenes as well as streptococcus agalactiae and viridans streptococci. Cephalosporins work by disrupting synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer of the bacteria's cell walls, which is crucial to the structural integrity.

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