[Beta-hemolytic streptococci as a cause of sore throat in the Pretoria area]

A study was performed in Pretoria on 232 unselected patients who presented with the complaint of sore throat. A throat swab was positive for Lancefield group A beta-haemolytic streptococci in 33,2% of these patients. The incidence was significantly higher in Black patients (45,5%) than in White patients (23,2%) and 12,1% of healthy controls showed a positive culture. No seasonal variation was detected. Throat swabs kept overnight at room temperature were falsely negative for beta-haemolytic streptococci in 43,2% of cases. A correlation was found with certain clinical signs.