Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Infections Directly From Throat Gargle

摘要

The diagnosis of group A streptococcal disease still relies on isolation on sheep blood agar followed by presumptive identification of group A streptococcal strains by using bacitracin sensitivity or the more precise sero-grouping methods such as the Lancefield precipitin test. A technique that would permit rapid identification of streptococcal infections directly from throat secretions would allow immediate appropriate antimicrobial therapy in the management of streptococcal infections. We have been able to identify soluble Group A antigen directly from throat gargle by using a latex aggregation test. In a clinical trial using latex (Streptex group A) 53 throat culture/gargles were taken, 31 were culture positive, and 29 were latex positive for group A streptococcal antigen. (Author)