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Beta-hemolytic streptococci were quantified in children
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Beta-hemolytic streptococci are significant pathogens causing pharyngitis.
- Accurate identification and quantification are crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify beta-hemolytic streptococci in different pediatric groups.
- To compare the efficacy of different sampling methods for isolating these bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Viable counts of beta-hemolytic streptococci in saliva were determined for four groups of children.
- Groups included those with streptococcal sore throat, non-streptococcal sore throat, carriers, and healthy controls.
- Throat swab, sublingual swab, and saliva culture methods were compared for isolation efficiency.
Main Results:
- Mean counts of 1.4 x 10^6/ml and 2.5 x 10^5/ml were observed in children with streptococcal sore throat and carriers, respectively.
- Saliva culture demonstrated superior efficiency in isolating beta-hemolytic streptococci compared to throat and sublingual swabs.
Conclusions:
- Saliva viable counts provide a quantitative measure of beta-hemolytic streptococci.
- Saliva culture is the most effective method for isolating beta-hemolytic streptococci from the upper respiratory tract in children.
Abstract:
Viable counts of beta-haemolytic streptococci per ml. of saliva were made in the following groups: (1) children with acute streptococcal sore throat, (2) children with acute non-streptococcal sore throat, (3) children who had no sore throat but were streptococcal throat carriers, (4) children who neither had a sore throat nor were streptococcal throat carriers.The mean counts from cases of streptococcal sore throat and from streptococcal carriers were respectively 1.4 x 10(6) and 2.5 x 10(5) per ml.In a comparison of the efficiency of the throat swab, sublingual swab and specimen of saliva in isolating beta-haemolytic streptococci from the upper respiratory tract, culture of saliva produced the best results.