Proctitis - streptococcal

Alternative names:

streptococcal proctitis, perianal streptococcal cellulitis

Definition:

Inflammation of the anus and rectum caused by streptococcus bacteria.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Streptococcal proctitis is usually a disease of children and often occurs in conjunction with a "strep throat" (streptococcal pharyngitis) or nasopharyngitis. Children are thought to autoinoculate (inoculation by use of organisms obtained from another part of the body) themselves while wiping or scratching their bottom with hands contaminated by infectious secretions from their mouth or nose.

Symptoms include an expanding area of redness around the anus, complaints of perianal itching and pain and, on occasion, pain with bowel movements. Fever may be present.