[Fast identification of Streptococcus pyogenes serotype M.12 in throat swabs by an improvised coagglutination...

A rapid procedure for identification of Streptococcus pyogenes serotype M. 12 directly in throat swabs, is reported and compared with standard culture method on blood agar plates and typing of group A Streptococci isolated, with double gel immuno-diffusion. This procedure consist of chlorhydric acid extraction of swabs and testing of the extract towards specific M. 12 protein serum using extemporaneous coagglutination technique. We have tested 1100 throat swabs, with this procedure and with standard culture procedure. Identification of group A Streptococci serotype M. 12 with reported method is obtainable within 30 to 45 minutes of receipt of the clinical specimen. This method is easy to perform, with a sensitivity and a specificity respectively: 89.7% and 98.8%.