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    Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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Question

Strep throat in infants: A common diagnosis?

My 10-month-old son has had strep throat twice. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

Answer

from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

Strep throat is an infection caused by a bacterium known as group A streptococcus. Strep throat can occur at any age, even during infancy. However, strep throat is most common between ages 5 and 15, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

For the few infants who develop strep throat, signs and symptoms may include:

  • Sleeplessness
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Refusal to breast-feed or drink from a bottle
  • Occasionally, a fine, red rash on the torso, arms and legs

Strep throat is diagnosed with a throat culture, in which the doctor swabs the child's throat and tests the sample for the presence of strep bacteria. Treatment for strep throat is typically a course of antibiotics.

Recurrent strep throat isn't likely a sign of an underlying problem with a child's immune system. Children who develop strep throat repeatedly may have contact with a carrier of strep, likely at home or in a child care setting — or may be strep carriers themselves. Recurrent strep throat is often treated with a different antibiotic from the one prescribed originally.

Next question
Recurring strep throat: When is tonsillectomy useful?
References
  1. Bartlett JG. Patient information: Strep throat. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
  2. How can I tell if a sore throat is a virus or a more serious infection? American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BK0_SoreThroat.htm. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
  3. Ogle JW, et al. Infections: Bacterial & spirochetal. In: Hay WW, et al. Current Pediatric Diagnosis & Treatment. 18th ed. McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2358306. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.
  4. Strep throat. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/strepThroat/default.htm. Accessed Aug. 25, 2008.

AN00949

Nov. 11, 2008

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