Strep Throat Causes
Strep throat is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes or group A Streptococcus (also known as group A strep, or GAS).
You can catch strep throat if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after being exposed to these bacteria, like when someone with strep throat coughs or sneezes.
Strep throat can be spread when you share food or a drink with someone with an active strep throat infection.
You can also get strep throat by coming into contact with an object contaminated with group A strep bacteria, like a doorknob or faucet, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Kids who put objects in their mouths can also catch strep throat this way.
