Question about intracellular strep

[peglem]

Okay, I get that "carrier status" is probably intracellular strep. So, what does the bacteria do while it is inside the epithelial cells? I mean, is it just hibernating and not a problem unless it escapes the cell? Is it doing anything to the cell? Is it giving off toxins? Is it undetected by the immune system, not presenting antigens?

Will a strep swab pick up intracellular strep, or does it only detect extracellular? Trying to figure out all the implications here.

[sf_mom]

I'm not sure but have you tested White Blood Cell count, Red Blood Cell count plus Lymphocyte subset panel: To see if they are fighting an underlying infection

 

"Streptolysins can destroy not only red blood cells, but also the white blood cells responsible for fighting off bacteria and disease, as well as other body cells.[2]"

 

-Wendy