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A comparative study of the diagnostic methods for Group A streptococcal sore throat in two reference hospitals in
Hortense Kamga Gonsu1, Cynthia Mbimenyuy Bomki2, François Djomou3
1Department of Microbiology, Haematology, Parasitology and Infectious diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaounde, Cameroon; Bacteriological Laboratory, Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroun.
Insights
Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests (RADT) show promise for diagnosing Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in sore throat patients, with 75% sensitivity and 96% specificity. Further improvements in sensitivity are needed for reliable early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Diagnostic test evaluation
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- Sore throat is a frequent complaint, particularly in children, often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Tests (RADT) aid in quick identification and treatment of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, preventing complications and spread.
- Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of RADTs is crucial for effective sore throat management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of a rapid streptococcal antigen detection test.
- To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of RADT for GAS in patients presenting with sore throat.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between January and April 2011.
- Two throat swabs were collected from patients aged 3-72 years presenting with pharyngitis or sore throat.
- One swab was used for RADT, and the other for standard bacteriological analysis.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of GAS in the study population was 22.5%.
- RADT demonstrated a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 96% in detecting GAS.
- Positive and negative predictive values were 85.7% and 93%, respectively.
Conclusions:
- RADTs may offer value in managing patients at high risk for GAS infection.
- The current RADT has limitations in sensitivity, necessitating further development for accurate early diagnosis of GAS-related sore throats.
Introduction:
Sore throat is a common complaint in general practice which is more frequent in children. The most frequent pathogenic bacteria associated with this infection is Streptococcus pyogenes. Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test (RADT) facilitates the rapid identification and consequently prompt treatment of patients, prevents complications, and also reduces the risk of spread of Group A Streptococcus (GAS). The main objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of a rapid streptococcal antigen detection test in patients with sore throat.
Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from January to April 2011 on patients aged 3 to 72 years consulting for pharyngitis or sore throat at the paediatric and Ear, Nose and Throat units of the University Teaching Hospital Yaounde and the Central Hospital Yaounde. Two throat swabs were collected per patient. One was used for the rapid test and the other for standard bacteriological analysis.
Results:
The prevalence of GAS in the study population was 22.5%. Out of the 71 samples collected, the RADT detected group A streptococcal antigens in 12 of 16 positive cultures giving a sensitivity of 75%. The specificity of the rapid test was 96%, with positive predictive value of 85.7%, and negative predictive value of 93% respectively.
Conclusion:
Rapid test may have an additional value in the management of patients with high risk of having GAS infection. However, tests with a higher sensitivity are needed for accurate and reliable results for early diagnosis of patients with sore throat caused by GAS.
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