Etiology, Epidemiology and treatment of bacterial pharyngitis: a review article

Abstract

Pharyngitis is an upper respiratory tract condition common in both general and specialist clinics. Though the majority of cases are viral, bacterial pharyngitis led by Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) still forms a major percentage of infections with a risk for severe complications like rheumatic fever and peritonsillar abscesses. Knowledge of the pathogens, epidemiological trends, and treatment strategies would ensure optimal care and prevent antibiotic misuse. The purpose of this review is to describe what is currently known about the bacterial etiologies of pharyngitis while narrowing the more likely causative organisms—Streptococcus pyogenes, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Fusobacterium necrophorum. It then discusses global and regional epidemiological trends plus how age, seasonal timing, and socioeconomic status factor into disease prevalence. This paper reviews treatment strategies. It discusses the use of empiric antibiotics based on evidence, antimicrobial resistance, clinical scoring systems, and rapid diagnostics in guiding treatment. Antimicrobial resistance is a global problem increasingly pressing that has not left bacterial pharyngitis untouched as timely and adequate management depend on accurate diagnosis. Thus, recent evidence consolidated here offers clinicians as well as investigators an updated comprehensive insight into bacterial pharyngitis toward improved disease targeting through enhanced precision in diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic decision-making besides public health measures in transmission control and antimicrobial resistance.