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Evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test for the detection of Streptococcus pyogenes in invasive infections
Vanesa Reijtman1, M Eva García1, Alejandra Mastroianni1
1Microbiology Department, Hospital de Pediatría Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract:
Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes diseases represent the most severe form of infection produced by this microorganism. Early diagnosis and treatment are important, due to its potential severity. Etiological confirmation of invasive infection is performed by culture, which takes between 18 and 48h. We tested a rapid immunochromatographic assay directly from clinical samples from normally sterile sites and positive blood culture bottles when positive cocci chains were observed by Gram staining. Eighty samples were analyzed. The rapid test was positive in 35 samples: in 34 of them S. pyogenes was confirmed by culture. The immunochromatographic method showed 97.1% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity. The strept A® immunochromatographic rapid test allows to obtain reliable results in less than 10min and is accessible to any microbiology laboratory. This study demonstrates the potential use of a rapid immunochromatographic method directly from clinical samples and positive blood cultures.
Insights
A rapid immunochromatographic test accurately detects invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections in under 10 minutes. This method offers high sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis of severe streptococcal diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Assays
Background:
- Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections are severe and require prompt diagnosis.
- Current culture-based etiological confirmation takes 18–48 hours.
- Rapid diagnostic tools are crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a rapid immunochromatographic assay for detecting Streptococcus pyogenes directly from clinical samples.
- To assess the test's performance compared to traditional culture methods.
Main Methods:
- An immunochromatographic assay was tested on 80 clinical samples from sterile sites and positive blood cultures.
- Gram staining was used to identify cocci chains before sample testing.
- Results were compared with standard culture confirmation.
Main Results:
- The rapid test correctly identified Streptococcus pyogenes in 34 out of 35 positive samples.
- The assay demonstrated 97.1% sensitivity and 97.8% specificity.
- Results were obtained in less than 10 minutes.
Conclusions:
- The strept A® immunochromatographic rapid test provides reliable and rapid detection of Streptococcus pyogenes.
- This method is suitable for direct use on clinical samples and positive blood cultures in microbiology laboratories.
- The test facilitates early diagnosis and management of invasive streptococcal diseases.
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