Evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of a kit for the rapid detection of group A streptococci.
A rapid immunoassay method using an Event Test Strip Strep A experimental kit (Boehringer Mannheim) was evaluated. Results obtained were compared with culture results to evaluate the accuracy of detection of group A streptococci directly from throat swabs or from artificial swabs containing various bacterial concentrations. A good diagnostic accuracy was obtained with a sensitivity of 96.9% in the assay of throat swabs which provided more than ten group A Streptococcus colonies per plate. Since a low level of micro-organisms may indicate infection, it is recommended that a culture be performed when the rapid test based on antigen detection is negative.
Savoia
D
D
Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Italy.
Francesetti
C
C
Millesimo
M
M
Dotti
G
G
Gatti
G
G
Rurali
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007820:Laryngeal Mucosa / Q000382:microbiology; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; D011934:Reagent Strips; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000175:diagnosis
D011135:Polysaccharides, Bacterial; D011934:Reagent Strips; C044260:streptococcal group A cell wall carbohydrate