A throat culture or strep test is performed by using a throat swab to detect the presence of group A streptococcus

bacteria, the most common cause of strep throat. Group A streptococcus bacteria also can cause other infections, including
pneumonia, tonsillitis, and meningitis.

A sample swabbed from the back of the throat is put on a special plate (culture) that enables bacteria to grow. The specific type
of infection is determined using chemical tests. If bacteria don't grow, the culture is negative and the person doesn't have a strep
throat infection.Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the back of the throat and the tonsils, which become irritated and
swell, causing a sore throat that's especially bothersome when swallowing. White or yellow spots or a coating on the throat and
tonsils also might be present, and the lymph nodes in the neck may swell.Strep throat is most common among school-age
children. The infection may cause headaches, stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, and listlessness. Strep throat infections don't
usually include cold symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny or stuffy nose.While symptoms of strep throat usually go
away within a few days without direct treatment, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to help prevent related complications such as
rheumatic fever.

Why It's Done

The throat culture test can help determine the cause of a sore throat. Often, a sore throat is caused by a virus, but a throat culture
will determine if it's definitely caused by strep bacteria so doctors can provide proper treatment.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

There are many different types of upper respiratory infections, including:

 the common cold, usually due to a virus

 the flu, or influenza virus infection, which causes more severe symptoms than a cold
 acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis, which involve the nasal sinuses
 otitis externa, or infection of the outer ear
 acute otitis media, or infection of the middle ear behind the eardrum
 pharyngitis, or sore throat
 acute bronchitis, an infection in the lower windpipes
 croup, which is a viral infection of the main windpipe that is usually only seen in children
 epiglottitis, a bacterial infection of the main windpipe that is more commonly seen in children

Other types of URI may also occur, but they are less common. A decongestant called
phenylpropanolamine

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

 a runny nose or stuffy nose

 sore throat  fever
 headache  cough
 malaise, or vague feeling of illness
 muscle aches  loss of appetite  ear pain