[High prevalence of beta hemolytic streptococci isolated from throat swabs in Buenos Aires].

Hugo E Villar, Mónica B Jugo, Gabriela Santana, Marisa Baserni, Juan Manuel Reil
Author Information
  1. Hugo E Villar: Laboratorio Hidalgo, Ladislao Martínez 43, 1640 Martínez, Buenos Aires, Argentina. bacteriologia@laboratoriohidalgo.com

Abstract

beta hemolytic streptococci, particulary group A, are the most frequently isolated pathogens in cases of pharyngoamigdalitis. Other beta hemolytic streptococci also produce this pathology. An increase of positive cultures for group A streptococci was detected during 2004 in relation to previous years. The aim of this study was to determine the isolation rates of beta hemolytic streptococci groups A, C and G during a period of 5 years. Pharyngeal exudates were obtained from children (aged 6 months to 18 years) and adults. Swabs were cultured on Columbia agar plates containing 5% sheep blood. Lancefield grouping was performed using a latex immunoagglutination test. Group A beta hemolytic streptococci were isolated significantly more frequently from pediatric population than from adults. Groups A, C and G beta hemolytic streptococci were isolated significantly more frequently during 2004 than in previous years. Group G beta hemolytic was more prevalent in adult population than in patients less than 18 years of age. Among the isolated beta hemolytic streptococci, in adults and children, 18.9% and 5.8% were non-group A streptococci, respectively. Therefore special attention should be paid not only to group A beta hemolytic streptococci but also to other groups. Throat culture is the most reliable method for detecting the presence of the beta hemolytic streptococci and should also be indicated in adult patients.

MeSH Term

Adolescent
Adult
Argentina
Child
Child, Preschool
Humans
Infant
Pharyngitis
Pharynx
Streptococcal Infections
Streptococcus
Streptococcus pyogenes

Word Cloud

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