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Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction
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Bacteriologic characteristics and serotypings of Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from throats of school children

S J Kim1

  • 1Department of Clinical Pathology, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang Institute of Cancer Research, Chinju, Korea. sjkim@nongae.gsnu.ac.kr

Yonsei Medical Journal
|March 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) were identified in approximately 15% of Korean school children. Streptococcus pyogenes serotypes varied significantly by geographic region, highlighting localized bacterial epidemiology.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) are significant human pathogens.
  • Understanding the carrier rates and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pyogenes is crucial for public health interventions.
  • Previous data on BHS carriage in Korean school children is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the carrier rate of beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) in healthy elementary school children in Korea.
  • To serotype isolated Streptococcus pyogenes strains and analyze their geographical distribution.

Main Methods:

  • Throat cultures were collected from healthy elementary school children across four Korean regions (Inje, Nonsan, Seoul, Chinju) between 1992 and 1995.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes strains were isolated and serotyped using anti-T, -OF, and -M sera.

Main Results:

  • The isolation rates of BHS and Streptococcus pyogenes ranged from 14.1-32.4% and 10.9-18.5%, respectively.
  • Over half of the BHS carriers exhibited heavy bacterial growth.
  • Common serotypes included M78 and M28 in Inje; M12 and M5 in Nonsan; M12 and M5 in Seoul; and M12 and M22 in Chinju.
  • Approximately 15% of children tested positive for Streptococcus pyogenes.

Conclusions:

  • A notable proportion of Korean school children carry Streptococcus pyogenes, with significant regional variations in serotype prevalence.
  • These findings underscore the importance of geographical context in understanding streptococcal epidemiology and inform targeted public health strategies.

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