Scientific Name for Strep Throat

Strep throat is the most common type of bacterial throat infection; it is caused by group A streptococcus bacteria (GAS for short). The scientific name for strep throat bacteria is Streptococcus pyogenes.

This throat infection is most frequently diagnosed during the late fall, winter, and early spring. Symptoms can include fever, white patches of pus on the back of the throat, and a red and painful throat that begins suddenly. A cough and/or runny nose do not usually occur in someone with strep throat. These symptoms are more common with a sore throat caused by a virus. It is also uncommon for someone with strep throat to have a sore throat for more than one week.

Treatment for strep throat typically involves antibiotics. For adults, the antibiotic of choice for treating strep throat is penicillin, while children are usually prescribed amoxicillin. Within 24 hours of starting antibiotics, a person's temperature should drop. After two or three days, other symptoms of strep throat should start to improve.

(Click Strep Throat for a more in-depth look at this throat infection, including who is at a higher risk for getting this condition, possible symptoms, and treatment options.)

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD