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  • Title: [Childhood pharyngitis in Sfax (Tunisia): epidemiology and utility of a rapid streptococcal test].
    Author: Mezghani Maalej S, Rekik M, Boudaouara M, Jardak N, Turki S, Arous R, Chouchane S, Marrekchi F, Kassis M, Hammami A.
    Journal: Med Mal Infect; 2010 Apr; 40(4):226-31. PubMed ID: 20005058.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: The authors studied the epidemiology of pharyngitis in children and evaluated the contribution of a rapid streptococcal test. PATIENTS AND 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 %. CONCLUSION: 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.
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