Positive Rate of Tests for Group a Streptococcus and Viral Features in Children with Acute Pharyngitis

Abstract

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is an important cause of acute pharyngitis. We investigated the positive rate of GAS tests and clinical viral features in children with acute pharyngitis. A retrospective review was conducted for patients p p = 0.4854). In patients aged 3–14 years, the GAS positive rate was not associated with the modified Centor score or the frequency of clinical viral features. Despite a low prevalence of GAS pharyngitis, testing for GAS was frequently performed in children <3 years old in this study. Appropriate use of laboratory testing for GAS pharyngitis and judicious prescription of antibiotics were imperative.

Keywords

• <i>Streptococcus pyogenes</i>
• pharyngitis
• tonsilitis
• signs and symptoms