Title: Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcal Sore Throat in Children – A Descriptive Epidemiological Study
Authors: Dr G. Kiruthiga, Dr S. Ramesh, Dr S. Vinoth
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v6i10.184
Abstract
Background: Sore throat is one among the common complaints in any pediatric healthcare, viruses being the major causative organism. Nevertheless, Group A streptococcal pharyngitis accounts for up to 37% cases in children above 3 years of age, with risk of short term and long term sequelae, both suppurative and non suppurative. This study outlines the demographic and clinical profiles of children presenting with sore throat in the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Chidambaram, South India.
Methods: An observational study was performed at the pediatric OPD of Rajah Muthiah Medical College Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu from January 2017 to June 2017. Children in the age group of 3-12 years, with the history of sore throat were examined for associated signs and symptoms. Throat swabs were collected from all the subjects. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded and analysed.
Results: GABHS were isolated from 5 cases, among the study population of 60 children, reflecting a high prevalence rate of 8.33 %. Gender, immunisation status and malnutrition had no statistical significance to GABHS infection. Overcrowding and socioeconomic status do not pose a statistically significant risk for GABHS infection.
Conclusion: It is imperative to identify and effectively treat GABHS pharyngitis, amongst the cases of sore throat in children in order to prevent the secondary complications of the streptococcal infection.
Keywords: Sore throat, Children, Streptococcal pharyngitis, GABHS.
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