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Aetiologic agents of septic sore throat in Thai children
Insights
Bacterial pharyngotonsillitis is common in Bangkok children with respiratory infections. Streptococcus pyogenes was found in 26% of these children, but Staphylococcus aureus may also play a role in pharyngitis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Bacteriology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Respiratory infections are common in children.
- Bacterial pharyngotonsillitis is a significant concern.
- Understanding causative agents is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bacteriology of respiratory infections in Bangkok children.
- To identify the prevalence of Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.
- To assess the role of Staph. aureus in bacterial pharyngitis.
Main Methods:
- A bacteriological study was conducted on children with respiratory infections.
- Throat swabs were analyzed for bacterial pathogens.
- Prevalence and co-occurrence of bacteria were determined.
Main Results:
- 37% of children had symptoms of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis.
- 26% harbored Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Staphylococcus aureus was more frequently the sole organism in children with exudate.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus pyogenes is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in children.
- Staphylococcus aureus may have a role in bacterial pharyngitis, especially with exudate.
- Penicillin is the preferred treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis; erythromycin is a suitable alternative if penicillin is contraindicated.
Abstract:
A bacteriological study of children with respiratory infections in Bangkok during January to November 1976 revealed that 37% of the patients had symptoms and sign of bacterial pharyngotonsillitis. Twenty-six per cent of these children harboured Streptococcus pyogenes in their throats. The numbers of streptococci other than group A and Staphylococcus aureus were increased in the children with respiratory infections. However, Staph. aureus was found as the sole organism in children with exudate more often than in the children with only URI. The possible role of Staph. aureus in bacterial pharyngitis should not be ignored. Penicillin remains a drug of choice for the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. If penicillin is contraindicated, erythromycin should be preferred over lincomycin as a second choice of drug in order to avoid treatment failure if lincomycin resistant streptococci are present.