"Strep" is short for a genus of Gram-positive cocci called Streptococcus. Usually, the most common bacteria causing a throat infection (i.e. "strep" throat) is Streptococcus pyogenes.
Yes, strep throat is caused when bacteria gets stuck on the sides of your throat, causing it to swell up. treatments to strep throat, is gurgling salt water, or apple cider vinegar.