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  • Title: Prevalence of streptococcal pharyngitis and streptococcal carriage in children: a meta-analysis.
    Author: Shaikh N, Leonard E, Martin JM.
    Journal: Pediatrics; 2010 Sep; 126(3):e557-64. PubMed ID: 20696723.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: Prevalence estimates can help clinicians make informed decisions regarding diagnostic testing of children who present with symptoms of pharyngitis. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the (1) prevalence of streptococcal infection among children who presented with sore throat and (2) prevalence of streptococcal carriage among asymptomatic children. METHODS: We searched Medline for articles on pediatric streptococcal pharyngitis. We included articles in our review when they contained data on the prevalence of group A Streptococcus (GAS) from pharyngeal specimens in children who were younger than 18 years. Two evaluators independently reviewed, rated, and abstracted data from each article. Prevalence estimates were pooled in a meta-analysis and stratified according to age group. RESULTS: 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% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32%-43%). Children who were younger than 5 years had a lower prevalence of GAS (24% [95% CI: 21%-26%]). The prevalence of GAS carriage among well children with no signs or symptoms of pharyngitis was 12% (95% CI: 9%-14%). CONCLUSIONS: 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.
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