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Relationship between group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis and asthma

Maria Del Carmen Trojavchich1, Carlos D Crisci, Mehrdad Shafa

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, San Antonio de Areco General Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. mctroja@areconet.com.ar

Pediatric Allergy and Immunology : Official Publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
|February 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Children with asthma or allergic rhinitis do not have a higher risk of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) infections. This study suggests cautious antibiotic prescribing for pediatric asthma patients to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Allergology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Childhood asthma and antimicrobial resistance are significant public health issues.
  • Frequent antibiotic use in children may contribute to increased asthma and allergy severity.
  • Investigating the link between GABHS infections and pediatric allergic conditions is crucial for antibiotic stewardship.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if pediatric patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis exhibit altered rates of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) tonsillopharyngeal infections.
  • To inform potential revisions in antibiotic prescription guidelines for pediatric asthma patients.
  • To assess the association between allergic conditions and GABHS pharyngitis in children.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective analysis of pediatric patients (2-18 years) presenting with symptoms of GABHS pharyngitis.
  • Screening for asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in participants.
  • Utilizing rapid strep tests and throat cultures to diagnose GABHS infection.
  • Conducting the study across two international pediatric clinics in Detroit, USA, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Main Results:

  • In Detroit, 33.6% of eligible patients tested positive for GABHS; in Buenos Aires, 21.8% tested positive.
  • Patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis showed no increased risk for GABHS tonsillopharyngeal infections in either location (Detroit OR=1.36, Buenos Aires OR=0.50).
  • The findings indicate that pediatric asthma patients do not have a higher susceptibility to GABHS infections compared to the general pediatric population.

Conclusions:

  • Children with asthma do not present a higher risk for developing GABHS tonsillopharyngeal infections.
  • Current findings do not support the liberal prescription of antibiotics for pediatric asthma patients.
  • This research underscores the importance of judicious antibiotic use in managing pediatric respiratory conditions and combating antimicrobial resistance.

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