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Streptococcal pharyngitis in infants: a reappraisal of its prevalence
Insights
Group A streptococcal pharyngitis is common in children under 3. This study found 15% of throat cultures positive, indicating a need for testing in this age group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Group A streptococcal pharyngitis is a common bacterial infection.
- Diagnosis in young children can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in children under 3 years of age.
- To assess the clinical presentation and necessity of throat cultures in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of throat culture results from a private pediatric practice.
- Analysis of 2,200 throat cultures, with a specific focus on 149 from children under 3.
Main Results:
- 15% (23 out of 149) of throat cultures from children under 3 were positive for group A streptococci.
- Most infected children presented with pharyngeal injection and symptoms like fever, rash, or rhinitis.
- Exudative pharyngitis was infrequently observed in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Group A streptococcal pharyngeal infections are not uncommon in infants and young children.
- Throat cultures are justified in this population to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Abstract:
The prevalence of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in children under 3 years of age was determined by retrospective review of the results of throat cultures taken from children seen in a middle-class, suburban, private pediatric practice. Of 2,200 throat cultures obtained, 7% (149) were from children in this age group, and 15% (23) of these were positive for group A streptococci. All children had pharyngeal injection and the majority were symptomatic, with fever, rash, or rhinitis. Exudative pharyngitis was rare. This study suggests that pharyngeal infection with this organism in infants and young children is not uncommon, and justifies the need for throat cultures in this population.