Exanthem 2: group A streptococcus
Scarlet fever is an erythematous
rash that may occur with streptococcal pharyngitis. Other patterns of infection
caused by group A streptococcus include toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing
fasciitis.
•
Prodrome: infection is spread by respiratory
secretions and droplets, or by
self-infection from nasal carriage. During the incubation period (2–5 days) the
child may have fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
•
Exanthematous phase: ‘sandpaper-like’ diffuse rash in
the neck and chest area (with
perioral pallor) spreading to the flexor creases. The pharynx is erythematous
and there may be exudative tonsillitis, palatal petechiae, uvular oedema, and
strawberry tongue.
•
Other features: tender anterior cervical
lymphadenopathy.
•
Throat swab: culture and growth of the organism
in a symptomatic individual (note
also asymptomatic carriage common)
•
Serum: antistreptolysin O (ASO) and
anti-DNase B titres – one or both may
rise in acute infection.
•
Antibiotics: penicillin V for 10 days. This
will prevent the development of
rheumatic fever (but not glomerulonephritis) and may reduce the length of
illness. Antibiotics should be started within 9 days of acute illness.
•
Isolation: children should be isolated until
24hr after the start of antibiotics.
· Include peritonsillar abscess,
retropharyngeal abscess, acute glomeulone-phritis, and rheumatic fever.
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.