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Epidemiological and clinical features of group A Streptococcus pharyngitis in children

Meng-Hsun Lin1, Pi-Feng Chang, Wen-Ki Fong

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital-Neihu, 360, Sec. 2, Neihu Rd., Taipei 114, Taiwan.

Acta Paediatrica Taiwanica = Taiwan Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi
|February 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Childhood streptococcal pharyngitis caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) is common, affecting over 21% of children. Clinical symptoms alone are unreliable for diagnosing GAS pharyngitis, highlighting the need for accurate testing.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Childhood pharyngitis is a frequent reason for pediatric outpatient visits.
  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a primary bacterial cause of pharyngitis in children.
  • Accurate diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis is crucial to prevent complications and guide treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of group A Streptococcus (GAS) in children presenting with pharyngitis.
  • To identify demographic, clinical, and seasonal factors associated with GAS pharyngitis.
  • To evaluate the reliability of clinical manifestations in diagnosing GAS pharyngitis.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective enrollment of children aged 1-15 years with pharyngeal erythema.
  • Collection of demographic data, symptoms, and signs.
  • Throat swab cultures for GAS isolation and identification.

Main Results:

  • GAS was isolated in 21.4% of 1175 throat cultures.
  • GAS pharyngitis was more common in boys (1.29:1 ratio) and children aged 6-11 years.
  • Peak GAS infections occurred in spring (March-May) and a smaller peak in autumn (October-December).
  • Independent positive correlations with GAS infection included sore throat, no coryza, tonsillar swelling, anterior cervical adenopathy, and scarlatiniform rash.
  • However, GAS was present in less than half of patients exhibiting these clinical signs.

Conclusions:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
  • Prevalence is influenced by gender, age, and season.
  • Clinical diagnosis alone is insufficient for reliable identification of GAS pharyngitis, necessitating microbiological confirmation.

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