What Is a Strep Throat Infection?

A strep throat infection occurs when the throat and tonsils become infected with Group A Streptococcus bacteria. This condition is a leading cause of pharyngitis and typically results in sudden throat pain, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Unlike viral sore throats, a strep throat infection is the only form of pharyngitis that requires antibiotic treatment. Each year in the U.S., more than 15 million outpatient visits are related to pharyngitis, yet many patients are still incorrectly treated with antibiotics due to inaccurate testing methods.

Common Symptoms of Strep Throat Infection

Recognizing the symptoms early can prevent complications. Parents should look for:

✅ Sudden sore throat

😣 Pain while swallowing

🌡️ Fever

🧩 Swollen lymph nodes

Because strep is bacterial, it typically does not cause a runny nose or cough. If these symptoms are present, a viral infection may be more likely.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Leaving a strep throat infection untreated can allow bacteria to spread, leading to more serious health issues. Potential complications include:

Rheumatic fever

Kidney inflammation

Ear and sinus infections

Accurate and timely diagnosis ensures the appropriate use of antibiotics, reducing unnecessary prescriptions and preventing long-term damage.

Problems With Traditional Throat Swabs

For more than 40 years, traditional rapid strep tests have been used in outpatient settings. However, these throat swab tests are known for:

Low sensitivity

False negative results

The need for follow-up throat cultures

Additionally, throat swabs can be uncomfortable, especially for children, increasing anxiety and reducing testing compliance.

The Future of Diagnosis: Saliva-Based Molecular Testing

Advances in diagnostic technology now allow clinicians to detect a strep throat infection using saliva. Saliva-based testing utilizes next-generation quantitative PCR (qPCR) to accurately identify Group A Streptococcus without invasive swabbing.

SalivIQ™ Strep A delivers:
✅ 100% sensitivity
✅ 100% specificity
✅ 100% accuracy
✅ Results in as little as 22 minutes
✅ No specialized training required

This level of accuracy eliminates the need for follow-up cultures and prevents the improper use of antibiotics.

Why Saliva Is the Preferred Sample Type

A 2023 global survey found that patients — particularly parents and children — strongly prefer saliva collection over throat or nasal swabs. Saliva testing provides:

A non-invasive collection method

Less discomfort and anxiety

A smoother testing workflow

This makes saliva the sample of choice for diagnosing a strep throat infection.