The prevalence of Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus in a Children’s Tertiary Care Hospital in Timisoara

Abstract

Abstract Background. Beta hemolytic streptococcus (BHS) represents a worldwide health problem because of the complications that can occur. Thus, it is important to identify the presence and type of BHS in time to start treatment if needed, avoiding the complications. Aim. Our aim was to identify the prevalence of Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus in a Children’s Tertiary Care Hospital in Timisoara. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April-June 2018 in Emergency Hospital for Children Timisoara. The study lot consists from 1100 children, ages between 0-18 years, which were not given, in the preceding two weeks, any antibiotics. We compared the study with two studies from different cities in Nepal, with the same subject as ours. Group A and Group C Streptococci were identified by beta hemolytic colonies, bacitracin sensitivity, catalase negativity test and latex agglutination test (Oxoid Streptococcal Grouping kit). ASO (Antistreptolysin O) test was also performed from serum samples, for patients with positive cultures. We also tested the antibiotic sensitivity to: Cefepime, Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline. Results. The prevalence of BHS (Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus), especially GABHS (Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus) was 4%, in children from a tertiary care hospital in Timisoara, Romania; which is comparable to the findings of similar studies. In the first study, the prevalence of GABHS was 7.2%, and in the second study was 9%. The patients with positive cultures were also tested for ASO, 28 patients (52%) had high levels, while 26 (48%) had normal levels. On all positive patients an antibiogram was made and we observed that most of the isolates were sensitive to the antibiotics used. A few isolates in Group A were resistant. Conclusions. Considering the limited data found on our subject, further epidemiological studies on streptococcal disease complex are needed.