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Antibody response to group A streptococci in an epidemic of streptococcal pharyngitis

K Rabinowitz, S Bergner-Rabinowitz, M Ferne

    The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine
    |September 1, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    An outbreak of acute pharyngitis linked to specific streptococci occurred in Israel. Despite strong immune responses, no rheumatic fever or nephritis cases were observed, suggesting strain variation influences disease severity.

    Area of Science:

    • Epidemiology
    • Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • An epidemic of acute pharyngitis affected 280 individuals in an Israeli kibbutz during 1972-1973.
    • The outbreak was associated with Group M and/or T type 12 streptococci.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the characteristics of a Group A streptococcal pharyngitis outbreak.
    • To assess the occurrence of sequelae such as rheumatic fever and acute nephritis.

    Main Methods:

    • Clinical case reporting during the epidemic.
    • Serological testing for immune response to streptococcal antigens in patients.

    Main Results:

    • Group M and/or T type 12 streptococci identified as the causative agent.
    • No cases of rheumatic fever or acute nephritis were reported among the 280 patients.
    • A vigorous immune response to streptococcal antigens was observed in 50% to 80% of patients.

    Conclusions:

    • The absence of rheumatic fever and acute nephritis suggests that specific strains of Group A streptococci may vary in their rheumatogenic and nephritogenic potential.
    • Strain variation may be a key factor in the development of complications following streptococcal pharyngitis.

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