Non-group A streptococci in the pharynx. Pathogens or innocent bystanders?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether beta-hemolytic streptococci from groups other than A are an important cause of sporadic pharyngitis in children.


METHODS
Cross-sectional, case-referent survey.


METHODS
General pediatric clinic at a military base in Ohio.


METHODS
One hundred fifty children with symptomatic pharyngitis and 150 controls matched for age and time of presentation over a 20-month study period.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Anaerobic culture technique was used to improve isolation of beta-hemolytic streptococci. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were detected significantly more often among the ill children than among the controls (39% vs 16%, respectively). In contrast, non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci were isolated in similar frequency from the ill and control children (17% vs 21%, respectively). Non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci from groups B, C, F, and G were each isolated in similar frequency among the ill and control children. The isolation rate of non-group A organisms increased with age among both patients and controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-group A beta-hemolytic streptococci seemed not to be an important cause of sporadic pharyngitis in this pediatric population.
Hayden
G F
GF
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22908.
Murphy
T F
TF
Hendley
J O
JO
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D010614:Pharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification*