What are the hallmark signs of bacterial pharyngitis?

The hallmark signs of bacterial pharyngitis, particularly streptococcal pharyngitis (often referred to as strep throat), include marked erythema (redness) of the throat and tender lymphadenopathy, which refers to swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck. These symptoms are significant because they help to differentiate bacterial pharyngitis from viral infections, which typically present with milder symptoms.

Severe redness of the throat is characteristic of the inflammatory response to bacterial infection, while tender lymphadenopathy indicates localized immune activity in response to the bacteria. These findings are important in clinical practice as they help guide appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment, such as the use of rapid antigen detection tests for group A streptococcus and antibiotic therapy if bacterial infection is confirmed.

Other signs and symptoms, while they may occasionally accompany bacterial pharyngitis, do not specifically identify it as clearly as marked erythema and tender lymphadenopathy. For example, fever can be present in both bacterial and viral pharyngitis, and cough is more commonly associated with viral infections rather than bacterial ones. Similarly, mild sore throat and runny nose are more indicative of viral causes. Cough and conjunctivitis are typically not associated with bacterial pharyngitis and are more