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Published on: February 15, 2013
Group A streptococcal pharyngitis in adults 30 to 65 years of age
W A Woods1, C T Carter, M Stack
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, USA.
Background:
Although the frequency of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in adults is assumed to be low, there is little information on frequency other than in military populations.
Methods:
A prospective, observational study was done to determine the frequency of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in adults seen in the emergency department. Throat swabs were obtained on adults (30 to 65 years of age) with sore throat and pharyngitis on examination. Swabs were also obtained in a group of control subjects.
Results:
Of the 148 adults with pharyngitis, 65 (44%) had throat specimens positive for group A streptococci. In the 50 control subjects, all throat cultures were negative for group A streptococci. A significant number of patients with group A streptococcal pharyngitis had school-aged children at home.
Conclusion:
The high rate of detection of group A streptococci in adults outside the military has not been previously reported.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
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