title: Early detection of streptococcal group antigens in skin samples by latex particle agglutination.
abstract: The streptococcal group antigens (A to G) were researched in skin biopsy specimens by a latex agglutination technique using commercial (Slidex Streptokit bio-Mérieux and Streptex Wellcome) and experimental reagents. Twenty-seven patients with obvious cutaneous infections (12 cases of erysipelas, nine cases of cellulitis, and six cases of necrotizing fasciitis) and 27 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. Our preliminary data demonstrated the possibility of an early diagnosis of streptococcal cutaneous infections involving the deep dermis and/or hypodermis. We used a latex agglutination technique that is quite specific and gives a better sensitivity (0.63) than either conventional bacteriologic cultures on needle aspiration or skin biopsy specimens.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D004886:Erysipelas / Q000175:diagnosis; D005208:Fasciitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology*; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial