[Childhood pharyngitis in Sfax (Tunisia): epidemiology and utility of a rapid streptococcal test].
OBJECTIVE
The authors studied the epidemiology of pharyngitis in children and evaluated the contribution of a rapid streptococcal test.


METHODS
This prospective study was conducted from June 2007 to May 2008 in a primary health care institution (Policlinique de la Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale) in Tunisia. Clinical findings were recorded; throat swabs were performed, and a rapid streptococcal test was made.


RESULTS
Five hundred and four children were included in this study. The mean age was 5 years and 8 months. Culture was positive for group A streptococcus in 166 cases (32.9 %). Group A streptococcus was more frequently isolated in children aged 5 to 8 years. There was no difference in clinical features between groups of streptococcal and non-streptococcal pharyngitis. The sensitivity and specificity of the rapid test were respectively 93.2 and 95.3 %.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharyngitis was of bacterial origin in one third of cases; among these, group A streptococcus was the most frequent bacterium. The rapid test is a quick and reliable tool for the diagnosis of pharyngitis and hence an appropriate treatment.
Mezghani Maalej
S
S
Laboratoire de microbiologie, CHU Habib Bourguiba, rue El Ferdaous, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie.
Rekik
M
M
Boudaouara
M
M
Jardak
N
N
Turki
S
S
Arous
R
R
Chouchane
S
S
Marrekchi
F
F
Kassis
M
M
Hammami
A
A
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003124:Colorimetry / Q000379:methods; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007163:Immunosorbent Techniques; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011934:Reagent Strips; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014416:Tunisia / Q000453:epidemiology
D011934:Reagent Strips