title: Controversies in the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis.
abstract: An increasing number of cases of sore throat caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci occur with concomitant colonization by organisms that may "protect" the streptococci through beta-lactamase inactivation of penicillin at the site of infection. The failure of penicillin to eradicate many of these bacteria, which include Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis and a multitude of pharyngeal anaerobes, may help to explain why penicillin is sometimes ineffective for acute and recurrent group A streptococcal infections. Therapeutic alternatives currently include cephalosporins, erythromycin, rifampin combined with penicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium and others.
authors: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York.
authors: M E
authors: ME
authors: Pichichero
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D012008:Recurrence; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins