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Alternative names
Streptococcal proctitis; Perianal streptococcal cellulitisDefinition Return to top
Streptococcal proctitis is an inflammation of the anus and rectum caused by streptococcus bacteria.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Streptococcal proctitis is usually a disease of children and often occurs in conjunction with "strep throat" (streptococcal pharyngitis) or nasopharyngitis. Children are thought to inoculate the skin around the anus while cleaning the area after using the toilet or by scratching with hands contaminated by secretions from their mouth or nose.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The infection is treated with antibiotics for roughly 10 days, depending on the rate of response. Penicillin is the most frequently used antibiotic in children who are not allergic. Topical treatment with mupirocin may be used in conjunction with other antibiotics, but should not be used as the only treatment.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Rapid recovery is expected with antibiotic treatment. It is important to contact your health care provider if recovery does not occur rapidly on antibiotics.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if your child complains of pain in the rectal area, painful bowel movements, or other symptoms of streptococcal proctitis.
If your child is receiving antibiotics for streptococcal proctitis, and the area of redness is expanding, or the discomfort or fever are increasing, then call your health care provider immediately. Your health care provider can help answer other questions that you might have about streptococcal proctitis.
Prevention Return to top
Completion of a full course of antibiotic treatment for pharyngeal and other infections with streptococcus bacteria is effective in eliminating the bacteria from the affected site. Careful handwashing is helpful in preventing this and other infections that result from bacteria carried in the nose and throat. Update Date: 1/21/2004 Updated by: Philip L. Graham III, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New York, Columbia University, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |