Re-evaluation of antibiotic treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis
1Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, Box 208064, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8064, USA. robert.baltimore@yale.edu
Purpose Of Review:
Recently, recommendations from the American Heart Association regarding treatment of streptococcal tonsillo-pharyngitis were revised. This review provides the background for changes that were made in comparison with the group's 1995 recommendations. Recent papers on other issues relating to group A Streptococcus are also reviewed.
Recent Findings:
For antibiotic treatment of streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis the recommendations for injectable penicillin and for oral erythromycin are downgraded. First choice remains penicillin V but there is increasing acceptance of once-daily amoxicillin.
Conclusion:
Streptococcal pharyngitis is still a major infectious disease seen in pediatric office practice. The main job of the practitioner is to make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment in timely fashion in order to prevent acute rheumatic fever.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Tonsillitis II: Management
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
