[THE DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES TO VERIFICATION OF STREPTOCOCCUS INFECTION IN PATIENTS WITH INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Microbiology
• Immunology

Context:

• Infectious mononucleosis, often caused by Epstein-Barr virus, can present with overlapping symptoms with streptococcal pharyngitis.
• Accurate diagnosis of concomitant streptococcus infection is vital to prevent complications and the development of carrier states.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the diagnostic significance of laboratory techniques, specifically bacteriological analysis and anti-streptolysin O (ASO) detection, for identifying streptococcus infection in pediatric patients with infectious mononucleosis.
• To compare ASO levels in patients with and without confirmed streptococcus infection and correlate findings with specific Streptococcus species.

Summary:

• A study analyzed 148 patients (3-15 years) with infectious mononucleosis, assessing bacteriological analysis and ASO levels.
• Elevated ASO levels were significantly more common in patients with infectious mononucleosis and concurrent streptococcus infection (41-49.5%) compared to those without (9.3%).
• Higher ASO levels were associated with Streptococcus pyogenes isolation, while Streptococcus viridans showed lower levels. Combined infections demonstrated dynamic ASO changes.

Impact:

• Findings underscore the importance of considering clinical history alongside laboratory results for diagnosing streptococcus infection in infectious mononucleosis patients.
• Recommends integrated bacteriological and serological examinations for early detection and management of streptococcus infections, reducing the risk of carrier states.