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Identification of beta-hemolytic streptococci isolated from hospitalized children in Baghdad
Insights
Beta-hemolytic streptococci were found in 34% of hospitalized children in Baghdad. Group G streptococci were most common, highlighting a need for further investigation into their role in common childhood infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcal infections are a significant cause of morbidity in children.
- Understanding the prevalence and types of streptococci is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of beta-hemolytic streptococci in hospitalized children in Baghdad.
- To identify the specific groups and types of streptococci causing infections.
- To explore potential etiological roles of less common streptococcal groups.
Main Methods:
- Collection and analysis of throat and saliva specimens from 224 hospitalized children (1 month to 10 years).
- Bacteriological typing of isolated streptococci, including T and M typing.
- Assessment of antiopacity factor in specific isolates.
Main Results:
- 34% of specimens were positive for beta-hemolytic streptococci.
- Group G streptococci (47.4%) were more prevalent than Group A (39.5%) in positive cases.
- High frequency of T type-11 observed; a new provisional type T-3875 identified.
- Most isolates were M untypable and antiopacity factor negative, with two exceptions.
Conclusions:
- Beta-hemolytic streptococci are common in hospitalized children in Baghdad, with Group G being a prominent pathogen.
- Further research is needed to clarify the role of Group G streptococci in tonsillitis and otitis media.
- Specific T types, like T-11, are frequently associated with infections, and novel types warrant further characterization.
Abstract:
Two hundred and twenty four hospitalized children in Baghdad aged between 1 month and 10 years were examined for Streptococcal infections. Thirty-four percent of the throat and saliva specimens were positive for beta-hemolytic streptococci. Males were more susceptible to infection with group A streptococci than females. Streptococcus of group A was isolated from 39.5% of the positive cases while group G was 47.4%. The etiological significance of the latter group in tonsillitis and otitis media is to be further investigated. Ninety six percent of the isolated streptococci were T typable and 13.3% of the strains were M typable. A high frequency of type T-11 was found in streptococcal infections. T type 3875 was found to be a new provisional type. All isolates were M untypable, and antiopacity factor negative except for two isolates of T type 4 which were positive in both typings.