Recurrence rate of streptococcal pharyngitis related to hygienic measures.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that treatment failures of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis may be caused by reinfection by the patients' own streptococci remaining on a toothbrush or in the bedclothes.


METHODS
To elucidate the role of streptococcal contamination of the environment, hygienic measures regarding change of toothbrush and bed linen and washing of toys were given to half of the patients/families. Throat specimens were taken from all the patients before treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin for 5 days, and the patients were followed-up for 1 month. At a home visit after 6-10 days, throat specimens were taken from the patients and all permanent residents of the home. Environmental samples were taken from pillowcases, floors, toothbrushes, dummies, and toys.


METHODS
Six health care centres.


METHODS
114 patients of all ages suffering from group A streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis, and 289 family members.


RESULTS
54 patients/families received hygiene instructions. The total number of recurrences was 40 (35%). There was no difference in treatment failure rate between patients/families that had taken or not taken hygienic measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Hygienic measures have no decisive influence on the risk of recurrence of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis.
Falck
G
G
Department of Family Medicine, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Kjellander
J
J
Schwan
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014099:Toothbrushing