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Occurrence of group C Streptococci in children in a South Indian village

Thangam Menon1, S Shanmugasundaram, M Palani Kumar

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Dr. ALM PGIBMS, University of Madras, Taramani, Chennai. thangam16@rediffmail.com

Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|March 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Group C Streptococci were detected in 4.19% of rural children. Four strains were identified as Streptococcus equisimilis, with some linked to respiratory infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Group C Streptococci (GCS) are significant human pathogens.
  • Respiratory tract infections are common in children, particularly in rural settings.
  • Understanding the prevalence of GCS in pediatric populations is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Group C Streptococci among children attending a rural health camp.
  • To characterize the isolated GCS strains using biochemical methods.
  • To identify specific GCS species, such as Streptococcus equisimilis.

Main Methods:

  • Throat swabs were collected from 310 children (aged 5-14 years).
  • Bacterial isolation and identification of Group C Streptococci.
  • Biochemical characterization including hemolysis, Voges-Proskauer test, sugar fermentation (trehalose, sorbitol), and enzyme hydrolysis (4-methylumbelliferyl-D-β-glucuronide).

Main Results:

  • Group C Streptococci were isolated from 13 out of 310 children (4.19% prevalence).
  • Seven of the 13 positive cases presented with symptoms of respiratory tract infection.
  • Biochemical tests identified four of the GCS isolates as Streptococcus equisimilis.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus equisimilis is present in the pediatric population attending rural health camps.
  • A significant proportion of GCS isolates were associated with respiratory symptoms.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the clinical significance and transmission of GCS in this demographic.

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