Related Experiment Videos
A one-year study of streptococcal infections and their complications among Ethiopian children
1Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Insights
This study investigated beta-haemolytic streptococci in Ethiopian children, finding seasonal peaks for acute rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Most strains were susceptible to antibiotics, except tetracycline.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Post-streptococcal complications are prevalent in Ethiopian children.
- Limited data exists on the epidemiology of beta-haemolytic streptococci in Ethiopia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the epidemiology of beta-haemolytic streptococci and associated complications in Ethiopian children.
- To identify seasonal patterns and antibiotic susceptibility of these bacteria.
Main Methods:
- A one-year study involving 816 children, including those with acute rheumatic fever (ARF), chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD), acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN), tonsillitis, impetigo, and healthy controls.
- Monitoring of monthly carrier rates and serotype distribution of beta-haemolytic streptococci group A.
- Assessment of antibiotic susceptibility.
Main Results:
- ARF and APSGN showed seasonal peaks during rainy and cold periods.
- The monthly carrier rate of beta-haemolytic streptococci group A averaged 17%, with T type 2 being the most frequent serotype.
- Strains were generally susceptible to common antibiotics, with notable resistance to tetracycline.
Conclusions:
- Beta-haemolytic streptococci group A exhibit seasonal variations in Ethiopian children, correlating with peaks in ARF and APSGN.
- Antibiotic susceptibility patterns indicate a need for careful selection, as tetracycline resistance was observed.
Abstract:
Post-streptococcal complications are known to be common among Ethiopian children. Little is known, however, about the epidemiology of beta-haemolytic streptococci in Ethiopia. A total of 816 children were studied during a one-year period: 24 cases of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), 44 chronic rheumatic heart disease (CRHD), 44 acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN), 143 tonsillitis, 55 impetigo, and 506 were apparently healthy children. Both ARF and APSGN occurred throughout the year with two peaks during the rainy and cold seasons. The female:male ratio among ARF patients was 1.4:1 and 1:1.9 among APSGN. The monthly carrier rate of beta-haemolytic streptococci group A varied from 7.5-39%, average being 17%. T type 2 was the most frequent serotype. Marked seasonal fluctuations were noted in the distribution of serogroups among apparently healthy children. Beta-haemolytic streptococci group A dominated during the hot and humid months of February-May. Strains were susceptible to commonly used antibiotics, except for tetracycline.