Strep, short for Streptococcus, is a bacterium that belongs to the genus Streptococcus. It is a spherical or oval-shaped bacterium that commonly occurs in chains or pairs. Strep bacteria can be found in various environments, including the human body, where they can cause infections. Strep bacteria are gram-positive, meaning they retain the crystal violet stain in the Gram staining technique.
In the medical field, "strep" is often used to refer to an infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. The most well-known example is strep throat, an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
In addition to strep throat, Streptococcus bacteria can cause other types of infections, including skin infections, pneumonia, ear infections, and sinusitis. Some strains of Streptococcus are also responsible for more severe infections such as sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis.
Treatment of strep infections typically involves antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin to eliminate the bacteria and alleviate symptoms. It is crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms of a strep infection are present, as untreated strep infections can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or scarlet fever.
Overall, "strep" refers to both the Streptococcus bacterium and the various infections it can cause in humans.
