Assessment of Anti-Streptolysin-O Titre in Healthy School-Age Children in Alexandria Governorate

Abstract

Background: Serology of streptococcal [GAS] group-A is used for post-streptococcal disease diagnoses, such as acute rheumatic fever, and occasionally for streptococcal pharyngitis diagnoses. Streptococcal titers vary according to a number of factors, including age and population. In developing countries, where GAS-induced impetigo is rare, the titers in healthy people are low in early childhood, peak in children aged 6 to 15, decrease in late adolescence and early adulthood, and then flatten off afterwards. Aim of the work: To assess Anti streptolysin-O titre in healthy school age children in Alexandria governorate. Patients and Methods: A prospective study had been performed in Alexandria Governorate and the collected sample were tested in clinical pathology Lab [Al-Azhar University Hospital, Damietta]. A total of 3000 [1540 Males, 1460 Females] serum samples had been collected from children aged 6-15 years, had been tested for Anti-streptolysin O titer [ASO] by latex. Results: ASO from 100-200 was higher with 1281 [42.7%] followed by Conclusions: We concluded that upper limit of normal [ULN] ASOT is quite high in normal Egyptian children, reaching up to 850.0 IU / ml. Mapping of upper normal levels and associated factors with increased levels could provide a clue for future planning to prevent streptococcal infection and its associated complications.

Keywords

• group-a streptococci [gas]
• anti-streptolysin o [aso]
• upper limit of normal
• children
• alexandria-governorate