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Distribution of beta haemolytic streptococci in pharyngitis specimens obtained from children
Insights
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci are the predominant cause of acute pharyngitis in children. This study highlights their prevalence in pediatric cases compared to adults.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute pharyngitis is a common childhood illness.
- Beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) are significant bacterial pathogens causing pharyngitis.
- Understanding the specific BHS groups involved in pediatric pharyngitis is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the prevalence of different groups of beta-hemolytic streptococci in children with acute pharyngitis.
- To compare the distribution of BHS groups in pediatric pharyngitis with existing data from adult populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 840 pharyngeal cultures from children diagnosed with acute pharyngitis.
- Isolation and serological grouping of beta-hemolytic streptococci.
- Calculation of the percentage distribution of each BHS group.
Main Results:
- 109 isolates of BHS were identified from 840 cultures (13% prevalence).
- Group A BHS accounted for 74% of the isolates.
- Other BHS groups (B, C, D, F, G) were found in lower percentages, with Group C (9%) and Group G (5.5%) being the most common non-Group A types.
Conclusions:
- Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci are the primary bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis in the pediatric population studied.
- The prevalence of Group A BHS in children with pharyngitis is notably higher than in adults.
- Further research, including viral and serological studies, is needed to fully understand the role of non-Group A BHS in pediatric pharyngitis.
Abstract:
One hundred and nine isolates of beta haemolytic streptococci were recovered from 840 (13%) pharyngeal cultures obtained from children with acute pharyngitis. Seventy-four percent of these were group A, 4% were group B, 9% were group C, 1% were group D, 4.5% were group F, and 5.5% were group G. The significance of non-group A isolates in pharyngitis could not be evaluated in the absence of viral and serological studies. However, these findings demonstrate the predominance of group A beta haemolytic streptococci in acute pharyngitis in children, as compared to findings in adults.