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Strep throat is primarily caused by bacteria, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes, which is a group A streptococcus. This bacterium is known for its ability to infect the throat and tonsils, leading to the classic symptoms associated with strep throat, such as a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Understanding that strep throat is bacterial in origin is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, as it typically requires antibiotic therapy to resolve the infection.

In contrast, viral infections may mimic some of the symptoms of strep throat but are not the causative agents. Parasites generally do not cause throat infections, and fungi are associated with different types of infections, typically in immunocompromised individuals or in specific conditions like oral thrush. Therefore, recognizing the bacterial nature of strep throat helps in appropriate clinical management and understanding of the illness.