Prevalence of streptococcal infections among children with sore throats

January 01, 0001

Prevalence of streptococcal infections among children with sore throats

These US researchers conducted a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of streptococcal infection in pediatric patients presenting with sore throat as well as prevalence of streptococcal carriage in asymptomatic patients. They searched Medline for articles on pediatric streptococcal pharyngitis, looking for articles examining prevalence data from swab specimens, and the data was pooled and stratified by age.

The researchers report: "Of the 266 articles retrieved, 29 met all inclusion criteria. Among children of all ages who present with sore throat, the pooled prevalence of GAS was 37%. Children who were younger than 5 years had a lower prevalence of GAS. The prevalence of GAS carriage among well children with no signs or symptoms of pharyngitis was 12%."

The researchers concluded: "Prevalence rates of GAS disease and carriage varied by age. Children who were younger than 5 years had lower rates of throat cultures that were positive for GAS."

This meta-analysis yields important prevalence estimates for streptococcal throat infections that can be used by clinicians when considering diagnostic testing.

For the full abstract, click here.

Pediatrics 126(3:e557-e564, September 2010
© 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics
Prevalence of Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Streptococcal Carriage in Children: A Meta-analysis. Nader Shaikh, Erica Leonard, Judith M. Martin.

Category: A. General/Unspecified. Keywords: streptococcus, pharyngitis, sore throat, prevalence, children, meta-analysis, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 5 October 2010

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