Abstract
IntroductionSore throat is a common complaint in general practice which is more frequent in children. The most frequent pathogenic bacteria associated with this infection is Streptococcus pyogenes. Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test (RADT) facilitates the rapid identification and consequently prompt treatment of patients, prevents complications, and also reduces the risk of spread of Group A Streptococcus (GAS). The main objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of a rapid streptococcal antigen detection test in patients with sore throat.MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from January to April 2011 on patients aged 3 to 72 years consulting for pharyngitis or sore throat at the paediatric and Ear, Nose and Throat units of the University Teaching Hospital Yaounde and the Central Hospital Yaounde. Two throat swabs were collected per patient. One was used for the rapid test and the other for standard bacteriological analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of GAS in the study population was 22.5%. Out of the 71 samples collected, the RADT detected group A streptococcal antigens in 12 of 16 positive cultures giving a sensitivity of 75%. The specificity of the rapid test was 96%, with positive predictive value of 85.7%, and negative predictive value of 93% respectively.ConclusionRapid test may have an additional value in the management of patients with high risk of having GAS infection. However, tests with a higher sensitivity are needed for accurate and reliable results for early diagnosis of patients with sore throat caused by GAS.
Highlights
Sore throat is a common complaint in general practice which is more frequent in children
The majority (80%) of pharyngitis cases are caused by viruses, where as 15% of cases are of bacterial etiology, while the remaining 5% are caused by rare organisms like Corynebacterium diphteriae [2]
In Cameroon, a study carried out by Hardis found that streptococcal pharyngitis represented 8.49% of inflammatory pathologies in the Ear, Nose and Throat Unit
Summary
Sore throat is a common complaint in general practice which is more frequent in children. The main objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of a rapid streptococcal antigen detection test in patients with sore throat. The most pathogenic bacteria involved in pharyngotonsillitis is group A Streptococcus (GAS) because of its suppurative or non-suppurative sequelae [3] These Gram positive cocci are distributed worldwide, accounting for 1530% of pharyngitis cases in children and 5-10% of cases in adults [4]. In Cameroon, a study carried out by Hardis found that streptococcal pharyngitis represented 8.49% of inflammatory pathologies in the Ear, Nose and Throat Unit
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