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Published on: September 5, 2013

Evaluation of potential factors contributing to microbiological treatment failure in Streptococcus pyogenes

S M Kuhn1, J Preiksaitis, G J Tyrrel

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta;

The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases = Journal Canadien Des Maladies Infectieuses
|December 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) treatment failures in children. No specific microbial or host factors were found to predict treatment failure in pharyngitis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) pharyngitis is common in children.
  • Microbiological treatment failure can occur despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.
  • Understanding factors contributing to treatment failure is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify microbial and host factors associated with GABHS microbiological treatment failure.
  • To evaluate the role of specific bacterial strains and patient characteristics in treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of children aged 2-16 years with GABHS pharyngitis was studied.
  • Pharyngeal swabs were repeated post-penicillin V treatment to assess microbiological cure.
  • Bacterial isolates underwent M and T typing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis; tolerance was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Of 248 evaluable children, 104 (41.9%) had GABHS cultured post-treatment.
  • Microbiological treatment failure was observed in 33 (33.7%) of these patients.
  • No statistically significant factors, including age or M type, were associated with treatment failure.

Conclusions:

  • Microbiological treatment failure for GABHS pharyngitis occurred in a significant proportion of children.
  • No specific microbial or host factors were identified as predictors of treatment failure in this cohort.
  • Further research may be needed to elucidate mechanisms of treatment failure.
Abstract

Keywords:
PharyngitisRespitory virusesStreptococcus pyogenesTreatment failure

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