Treatments for Streptococci

Streptococci are bacteria that can cause infections in the human body. There are several types of streptococci, all of which require different treatment. Identifying the streptococci that are responsible for infection can help doctors determine which drug treatments should be used for the best results. Drug therapies are available for group A, group B, S. pneumoniae and viridans streptococcal infections.

Group A Streptococcus

• According to Directors of Health Promotion and Education, group A streptococcus bacteria can cause infections ranging in severity from mild to severe. Mild infections caused by group A strep include strep throat and minor streptococcal skin infections. The more severe illnesses caused by group A strep include rheumatic fever, pneumonia, scarlet fever and wound infections. According to Dr. Ed Kaplan, a professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Minneapolis, strep throat can be treated with penicillin and similar drugs. According to Dr. Alan Greene, a clinical professor of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine, penicillin can also be used to treat scarlet fever. In cases where penicillin is ineffective or contraindicated, erythromycin may also be used.

Group B Streptococcus

• Group B streptococci are found in the vagina and digestive tract and usually do not cause infection. However, according to Directors of Health Promotion and Education, this type of streptococcus can cause life-threatening illnesses in newborns and lead to infections in pregnant women and immune-compromised people. In newborns, group B strep can cause sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia. In adults, group B strep can cause urinary tract infections, pneumonia and infections of the bloodstream. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, group B strep is usually treated with penicillin or ampicillin administered via an intravenous line.

S. pneumoniae Infections

• According to the New York City Department of Health, the S. pneumoniae form of streptococcus can cause infections such as meningitis, bloodstream infection, middle ear infection and pneumonia. Children are most commonly affected by pneumococcal disease, but adults can be affected by these bacteria, especially if they have serious medical conditions or are elderly or immune compromised. Penicillin is usually used to treat pneumococcal disease, but if the infection is penicillin-resistant, stronger antibiotics will be necessary.

Viridans Infections

• Streptococcus viridans is usually found in the mouth and digestive tract and can cause infections such as endocarditis, infections of the bloodstream and dental infections. According to Johns Hopkins Point of Care Information Technology Center, this type of streptococcal infection can be treated with penicillin, ceftriaxone or vancomycin.

Treatment Effectiveness

• Regardless of the type of streptococcal infection that you have, you should carefully follow your doctor's treatment guidelines to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated. If you are prescribed an antibiotic, finish the entire course of treatment even if you feel better after taking it for a few days. If you stop antibiotic treatment before it has a chance to kill all of the bacteria, the infection could come back as an antibiotic-resistant infection. This type of infection is very difficult to treat, so prevention is important.