Pharyngitis-tonsillitis in a college population.

Abstract

Abstract A group of 48 student patients with severe sore throats was studied to determine the etiologic organisms and the response to therapy. Observations were also made regarding the role of the throat culture and the efficacy of using clinical features to differentiate group A streptococcal infections from others. Patients were followed clinically over a ten-day period; cultures were taken as well as blood counts, infectious mononucleosis tests, and smears. Swabs for virus isolation were also done. Fifty-two percent of the patients had cultures positive for beta-hemolytic streptococci, with more than half being non-group A. Hemophilus and Corynebacterium hemolyticum organisms were also cultured. Organisms other than group A streptococci can serve as pathogens in patients with acute pharyngitis. Aside from pharyngeal edema and hyperemia, other signs and symptoms did not appear helpful in differentiating the group A infections from others. While throat cultures were helpful in the overall management of acute throat infections, they should not be used as the sole criteria for treatment. Treatment, especially when started early, can decrease morbidity—a decrease important to the college student.