Both strep pharyngitis and skin infections can lead to which of the following?

The correct answer, post streptococcal glomerulonephritis, is a known complication following infections caused by certain strains of Streptococcus bacteria, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus). Following an initial infection, such as strep throat (pharyngitis) or a skin infection (like impetigo), the body may have an abnormal immune response to antigens from the bacteria. This immune reaction can lead to inflammation and damage to the kidney glomeruli, causing symptoms of glomerulonephritis, including hematuria (blood in urine), proteinuria (protein in urine), and hypertension.

Acute rheumatic fever, while also associated with infections caused by Group A Streptococcus, particularly pharyngitis, is connected more specifically to throat infections rather than skin infections. It occurs as a result of a misdirected immune response affecting the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system, but not directly as frequently from skin infections.

Urinary tract infections are caused by different pathogens more typically than Streptococcus pyogenes, and while they are common, they are not a complication that arises from strep pharyngitis or skin infections.

Bronchitis is generally