Group A Beta-hemolytic Streptococci Research Articles

Effectiveness and Safety of Short-Course vs Long-Course Antibiotic Therapy for Group A β-Hemolytic Streptococcal Tonsillopharyngitis: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of short-course antibiotic treatment of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) tonsillopharyngitis. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) retrieved from PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using a structured search strategy. The last date either database was accessed was November 14, 2007. We included RCTs that involved patients of any age with GAS tonsillopharyngitis, comparing short-course (< or =7 days) vs long-course (at least 2 days longer than short-course) treatment with the same antibiotics. The primary analysis compared 5 to 7 days with 10 days of treatment, using a random effects model. Eleven RCTs comparing short-course vs long-course treatment (5 with penicillin V, 4 with oral cephalosporins, 1 with intramuscular ceftriaxone, and 1 with clindamycin; 6 of the 11 were open label) were included. In the primary analysis, microbiological eradication rates of GAS were inferior for short-course vs long-course treatment (8 RCTs, 1607 patients; odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.74). This association was noted with penicillin V treatment (3 RCTs, 500 patients; OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.13-0.99) but was nonsignificant with cephalosporin treatment (4 RCTs, 1018 patients; OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.38-1.03). Microbiological eradication was less likely with short-course treatment in trials involving primarily children and adolescents (aged <18 years) (6 RCTs, 1258 patients; OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40-0.98). Clinical success was inferior in patients who received short-course treatment (5 RCTs, 1217 patients; OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.96). Adverse events did not differ between compared groups. The above associations were consistent in the analyses involving all included RCTs. Short-course treatment for GAS tonsillopharyngitis, particularly with penicillin V, is associated with inferior bacteriological eradication rates.

Diagnostic value of rapid antigen detection test for streptococcal pharyngitis in a pediatric population

Acute upper respiratory tract infections in children may result in overuse of antibiotics as throat culture cannot be performed in every setting and results cannot be obtained early. A rapid and reliable test might decrease unnecessary antibiotic usage. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) infections in different pediatric age groups and to assess the diagnostic value of rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for streptococcal pharyngitis. This study was performed in a pediatric outpatient clinic. All children who were admitted with signs and symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections were included in the study. Throat culture and RADT were performed and prevalence of GABHS was assessed. Diagnostic value of RADT was determined. This study included 1248 children with a mean age of 6.3+/-3.6 years. There were 655, 518, and 75 children in age groups of 0-6, 7-12 and 13+ years, respectively. The overall prevalence of GABHS was 38.1% (475/1248), as judged by throat culture. The prevalence was highest in the 7-12-year age group (53.9%) and lowest in the 0-6-year age group (25.2%). Considering all patients, RADT gave a sensitivity of 89.7%, specificity of 97.2%. The sensitivity and specificity of RADT were similar in different age groups (p values >0.05). Diagnostic value of RADT is high and can be used safely in populations where streptococcal pharyngitis and its complications such as acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis are common.

Poliarterite nodosa cutânea na infância com gangrena digital e possível associação com o estreptococo beta-hemolítico do grupo a: relato de caso e revisão de literatura

A poliarterite nodosa cutânea (PAN cutânea) é uma forma particular de vasculite envolvendo artérias de pequeno e médio calibres. A doença pode ser diferenciada da poliarterite nodosa sistêmica pela sua limitação à pele e ausência de envolvimento visceral. Manifesta-se habitualmente por nódulos subcutâneos, livedo reticular e ulceração cutânea. Artralgia, mialgia, neuropatia e sintomas constitucionais, como febre e mal-estar, podem estar presentes. O diagnóstico é, por vezes, de difícil realização, baseando-se na forte suspeita clínica e no exame histológico da pele. Neste trabalho é descrito um caso de PAN cutânea em uma criança de 9 anos com alteração isquêmica grave da ponta dos dedos e nódulos subcutâneos como manifestações iniciais e a provável associação com o estreptococo beta-hemolítico grupo A (EBHGA). A revisão de literatura revela que PAN cutânea na infância está freqüentemente associada à infecção estreptocócica e que atenção especial deveria ser dada a crianças com menos de 10 anos de idade pelo alto risco relatado de auto-amputações.

Variation in Clinical Presentation of Childhood Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Four Countries

We conducted a cross-sectional study from September 2001 to August 2003 during which children between 2 and 12 years of age presenting with complaint of sore throat were recruited from urban pediatric clinics in Brazil, Croatia, Egypt and Latvia. The objective of the study was to compare clinical signs and symptoms of children presenting to urban pediatric clinics with sore throat in and between countries and to identify common clinical criteria predicting group A beta hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Using a single standard protocol in all four sites, clinical data were recorded and throat swabs obtained for standard GAS culture in 2040 children. Signs and symptoms were tested for statistical association with GAS positive/negative pharyngitis, and were compared using chi(2) tests, ANOVA and Odds Ratios. Clinical signs of GAS pharyngitis in children presenting to clinics varied significantly between countries, and there were few signs or symptom that could statistically be associated with GAS pharyngitis in all four countries, though several were useful in two or three countries. Our results indicate that the clinical manifestations of pharyngitis in clinics may vary by region. It is therefore critical that clinical decision rules for management of pharyngitis should have local validation.

Antibiotic resistance pattern of group-a beta-hemolytic streptococci isolated from north Indian children

The current resistance pattern of GABHS (group-A beta-hemolytic streptococci) in India has not been discussed. To fill the above-mentioned void, we planned this study to determine the prevalence and degree of antibacterial resistance in GABHS isolates. Children with acute pharyngo-tonsillitis who had not received antibiotic in the preceding week, attending the pediatric OPD, were prospectively enrolled over a period of 1 year. Throat swabs were collected from each child and transported to microbiology laboratory, as early as possible. A throat swab culture for GABHS was done. All GABHS were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines. In the present study, 12.6% (55/435) of the children with acute pharyngo-tonsillitis had throat swab culture positive for GABHS. The prevalence of macrolide resistance was 10.2%. The MIC50 for macrolide-resistant strain was 0.5 microg/mL (range, 0.125-8 microg/mL), and MIC90 was 8 microg/mL (range, 0.125-8 microg/mL). Tetracycline and co-trimoxazole resistances were 24.5% and 12.2% respectively. The values of MIC50 for tetracycline- and co-trimoxazole-resistant strains were 4 microg/mL (range, 0.125-32 microg/mL) and 2 microg/mL (range, 0.25-8 microg/mL) respectively. All isolates were sensitive to penicillin G and chloramphenicol on disc diffusion test. However, their MIC50 was 0.032 microg/mL (range, 0.012-0.125 microg/mL) and 2 microg/mL (range, 0.25-4 microg/mL) respectively. High prevalence of antimicrobial resistance found among GABHS needs a longitudinal surveillance of isolates from different centers in India.

Comparative study of 5-day cefcapene-pivoxil and 10-day amoxicillin or cefcapene-pivoxil for treatment of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in children

In order to compare the bacteriological and clinical efficacy and safety of cefcapene-pivoxil (CFPN-PI) for 5 days, CFPN-PI for 10 days, and amoxicillin (AMPC) for 10 days for the treatment of pharyngitis due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) in children, a prospective multicenter randomized open-label comparative study was performed with 12 pediatric clinics in Asahikawa between June 2006 and February 2007. Two hundred and fifty children (age range 6 months to 12 years) with signs and symptoms of acute pharyngitis were enrolled. All had a positive throat culture for GAS and were fully evaluable. Eighty-two patients received CFPN-PI 9-10 mg/kg/day three times a day for 5 days, 88 received CFPN-PI three times a day for 10 days, and 80 received AMPC three times a day for 10 days. The CFPN-PI for 5 days regimen, the CFPN-PI for 10 days regimen, and the AMPC for 10 days regimen produced bacteriological eradication at the end of treatment in 93.8%, 96.2%, and 91.7% of the patients, respectively. The clinical cure rate observed at the end of therapy was 100% of the patients in the three groups. Relapse rates were 1.3% in CFPN-PI for 5 days, 4.0% in CFPN-PI for 10 days, and 2.9% in AMPC for 10 days. There were no significant differences in eradication rate, clinical cure rate, and relapse rate between the three treatment groups. The only adverse effects were infrequent diarrhea in all three groups, and a rash which occurred in 6 patients (8.0%) of the AMPC treatment group. Five days of treatment with CFPN-PI was as efficacious in bacteriological eradication and clinical response as 10 days of CFPN-PI or AMPC treatment.

What every psychiatrist should know about PANDAS: a review

The term Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus infections (PANDAS) was coined by Swedo et al. in 1998 to describe a subset of childhood obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and tic disorders triggered by group-A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes infection. Like adult OCD, PANDAS is associated with basal ganglia dysfunction. Other putative pathogenetic mechanisms of PANDAS include molecular mimicry and autoimmune-mediated altered neuronal signaling, involving calcium-calmodulin dependent protein (CaM) kinase II activity. Nonetheless the contrasting results from numerous studies provide no consensus on whether PANDAS should be considered as a specific nosological entity or simply a useful research framework. Herein we discuss available data that could provide insight into pathophysiology of adult OCD, or might explain cases of treatment-resistance. We also review the latest research findings on diagnostic and treatment.

Redefining the management of pediatric tonsillopharyngitis with Cefprozil

Tonsillopharyngitis is very common in children, with Group A Streptococci being the most common bacterial etiology. Effective antibacterial treatment is imperative due to risk of rheumatic fever. Cephalosporins have been used successfully for the treatment of Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcal (GABHS) tonsillopharyngitis. Cefprozil is a novel broad-spectrum oral cephalosporin. Cefprozil is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with high bioavailability. The excellent penetration of cefprozil into tonsillar and adenoidal tissue corresponds well with the clinical outcome. The drug provides excellent coverage against both gram-negative and -positive bacteria that may cause pharyngitis/tonsillitis. The beta-lactamase stability of cefprozil appears to exceed that of other oral cephalosporins for important gram negative pathogens. In clinical trials, cefprozil appears to be at least as effective as commonly used comparison agents such as cefaclor and cefixime. Additionally, cefprozil is better tolerated than the latter, especially with regard to gastrointestinal adverse effects. Thus cefprozil can be considered a safe and reliable drug for the treatment of Streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis in children.

Diagnosis of Group A β-Hemolytic Streptococcus Using the Breese Clinical Scoring System

This study was planned to determine the effectiveness of the Breese scoring system for the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis and to evaluate its significance in different age groups. The research population was divided into two age groups. Group 1 consisted of children aged three and below and group 2 comprised children over three years of age. All of them were then evaluated using both the Breese scoring system and throat swab cultures. In group 1, there was no difference between the mean Breese scores of group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS)-positive and negative patients. However, in group 2, the mean Breese scores were higher in GABHS-positive patients than in GABHS-negative patients (P < 0.001). The diagnostic value of the Breese scoring system in group 1 was sensitivity, 3.4%; specificity, 93.6%; positive predictive value, 18.2%; and negative predictive value, 70.1%. In group 2, sensitivity was 68.8%; specificity, 82.5%; positive predictive value, 78.8%; and negative predictive value, 73.7%. The results indicate that the Breese scoring system is still a useful scoring system for streptococcal pharyngitis in children over three years of age, and may help in deciding whether or not to take a throat-swab culture. A score >29 can be used as an indication for antibiotherapy. So it seems to be a useful marker for decision-making regarding antibiotherapy in emergency departments.

Challenges in the Identification and Treatment of PANDAS: A Case Series

Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS), is characterized by childhood-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tic disorder that has been found to have a post infectious autoimmune-mediated etiology, where the onset and subsequent exacerbations of symptoms is temporally related to group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) infection. In addition to the use of anti-tic and antiobsessional agents, the use of Penicillin during the acute phase and for prophylaxis, tonsillectomy, immunomodulatory therapies such as plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin, etc. have all been reported to improve the symptoms. We describe five cases of neuropsychiatric symptoms triggered by streptococcal infection in an Arab population and highlight the challenges faced by clinicians in the identification and management of PANDAS.

Clinical utility of a new rapid test for the detection of group A Streptococcus and discriminate use of antibiotics for bacterial pharyngitis in an outpatient setting

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the Diaquick Strep. A Test (SAT) as a rapid streptococcal antigen test, and its effect on antibiotic use in children. This was a prospective study of children with acute catarrh, fever, and acutely inflamed throat/tonsils. Paired throat swabs for SAT and culture were collected. None of the children received antibiotics prior to testing. Five hundred and five children were included in the study: 278 were boys (55%) and 409 (81%) were aged under 5 years. The SAT was negative in 434 cases (86%) and positive in 71 (14%); culture was negative in 425 cases (84%) and positive in 80 (16%), including nine cultures that grew bacteria other than group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS). Both the SAT and culture were negative in 422 cases (84%) and positive in 68 (13%), but were inconsistent in 15 cases (3%). For GAS infection, the SAT positive predictive value was 95.8% (68/71). The negative predictive value for the whole group as well as for children under five years of age was over 99% (422/425 and 355/358, respectively). SAT sensitivity was almost 96%. Finally, only 74 children (15%) were given antibiotics, while a staggering 431 (85%) were not. The Diaquick Strep. A Test (SAT) is a quick, reliable, and clinically useful test, which could help to dramatically reduce the usage of antibiotics in children with fever, catarrh, and acute pharyngotonsillitis.

Alterations of the Oropharyngeal Microbial Flora After Adenotonsillectomy in Children

To determine whether the oropharyngeal microbial flora changes after adenotonsillectomy (ATY) in children with mild to moderate symptoms of throat infections or adenotonsillar hypertrophy and to relate these findings to recurrence of throat infections. Randomized controlled trial. Twenty-three general hospitals and 3 academic centers. Three hundred children aged 2 to 8 years who were selected for ATY because of recurrent throat infections (3-6 episodes per year) or obstructive complaints. Children with a history of 7 or more throat infections in the previous year and those with a high suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea according to current medical practice were excluded. Children were randomly assigned to either ATY or watchful waiting. Oropharyngeal swabs were taken at baseline and at 3 and 12 months after baseline. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the oropharynx at 3 and 12 months. The secondary outcome measure was the association between carriage of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) at baseline and at 3 months' follow-up and the number of throat infections during the 12 months of follow-up. In the ATY group, prevalences of Haemophilus influenzae, GABHS, and Staphylococcus aureus decreased from 40%, 13%, and 5%, respectively, at baseline to respective levels of 24%, 0%, and 0% at 3 months and 26%, 0%, and 0% at 12 months. In the watchful waiting group, prevalences of H influenzae, GABHS, and S aureus did not change substantially. In neither the ATY nor the watchful waiting group was carriage of GABHS associated with recurrence of throat infections. Adenotonsillectomy reduced oropharyngeal carriage of potential respiratory pathogens. Changes in the carriage rate of GABHS, however, had no beneficial effect on recurrence of throat infections.

Diagnóstico precoce das faringoamigdalites estreptocócicas: avaliação pelo teste de aglutinação de partículas de látex

OBJETIVOS: A faringoamigdalite aguda é uma das doenças mais freqüentes na prática pediátrica, sendo o estreptococo beta-hemolítico do grupo A (EBHGA) o agente etiológico bacteriano mais comum. O seu diagnóstico e tratamento adequados são importantes principalmente para a prevenção de seqüelas não-supurativas. Testes rápidos de detecção de antígenos do estreptococo do grupo A são uma ferramenta útil no diagnóstico das faringoamigdalites estreptocócicas, pela rapidez dos resultados, acurácia e baixo custo; no entanto, são pouco utilizados em nosso meio e pouco estudados em nosso país. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a acurácia de um kit de teste rápido de detecção de antígeno do EBHGA comparado à cultura de suabe de orofaringe. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas crianças de 1 a 18 anos com diagnóstico clínico de faringoamigdalite aguda em serviços públicos de urgência e clínica privada de Belo Horizonte (MG), sendo excluídas as que haviam utilizado antibióticos até 30 dias antes da consulta. A amostra final incluiu 229 pacientes, que foram submetidos a coleta de dois suabes de orofaringe, um para o teste rápido para EBHGA e o outro enviado para cultura. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se sensibilidade de 90,7%, especificidade de 89,1%, valor preditivo positivo de 72,1%, valor preditivo negativo de 96,9% e razão de verossimilhança positiva de 9,0 para o teste rápido utilizado comparado à cultura. CONCLUSÃO: O teste rápido utilizado apresentou boa correlação com a cultura, sendo, portanto, de grande utilidade na prática clínica para detecção do EBHGA.

Early diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis: assessment by latex particle agglutination test

Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common diseases in pediatric practice, and the most common bacterial etiology is group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS). Correct diagnosis and treatment are primarily of importance to the prevention of non-suppurative sequelae. Rapid tests for detecting the antigen of group A streptococcus are a useful tool for the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis, due to the speed of results, accuracy and low cost; however, in our country they are little used and have been little studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a GABHS rapid antigen detection test kit, in comparison with oropharynx swab culture. Children aged 1 to 18 years with clinical diagnoses of acute pharyngitis were chosen at public emergency and private clinical services in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with children being excluded if they had taken antibiotics within 30 days of their consultation. The final sample consisted of 229 patients, each of whom had two oropharynx swabs taken, one for rapid GABHS testing and the other to be sent for culture. We observed sensitivity of 90.7%, specificity of 89.1%, a positive predictive value of 72.1%, a negative predictive value of 96.9% and a positive likelihood ratio of 9.0 for the rapid test used here, compared with culture. The rapid test studied exhibited a good correlation with culture and is, therefore, of great use in clinical practice for detection of GABHS.

Osteomielitis de localización inusual

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) causes almost 10% of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHOM). These entities are frequently located in long bones (femur, tibia and humerus), and only 6-8% of all AHOM are located in the pelvis. This uncommon localization delays diagnosis and can lead to inappropriate management, with negative effects on outcomes. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy with high fever, pain in the right hip and difficulty in walking due to pelvic AHOM and septic shock caused by GAS. We also provide a review of the literature.

Incidencia de faringitis estreptocócica

To determine the incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis in patients younger than 2 years of age, and to evaluate the role of group C streptococci as a pathogenic agent in acute pharyngitis through throat culture in symptomatic patients. We performed a retrospective descriptive study of patients with clinical symptoms of acute pharyngitis and fast detection of streptococcal antigen and/or exudate culture who attended the emergency department between February 2004 and February 2005. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) was isolated by pharyngeal culture in 85 patients aged less than 2 years (12.6%). In these patients the fast test displayed lower sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) (sensitivity: 78%; PPV: 69%, p < 0.01). Patients aged less than 2 years had a greater frequency fever, exanthema and catarrhal symptoms than older children (p < 0.01). In the younger age group, erythromycin resistance rates increased to 24.7% (p = 0.08). Group C streptococcus was isolated in 5.2% (43 patients). The most frequent reason for consultation was fever (74.4%) and the most common findings on examination were abnormal pharynx in 90.7%, odynophagia and adenopathies in 55.8%. Two incidence peaks (in May and September) were observed, with sporadic cases throughout the year. In our sample, the percentage of GAS in patients aged less than 2 years was higher than that reported in other series. In this age group, the sensitivity of the fast test is lower than in other age groups and there is a higher rate of erythromycin resistance. The percentage of tonsillitis due to serotype C was also slightly higher than expected. Two peaks of incidence were observed, similar to those occurring with SGA, with sporadic cases throughout the year.

Report and analysis of a scarlet fever outbreak among adults through food-borne transmission in China

Scarlet fever is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GAS). The clinical syndrome has receded in recent years, but occasionally explosive outbreaks do occur likely due to the emergence of GAS with virulence factors peculiar to this syndrome. Following the notification of an unexpectedly large number of scarlet fever cases amongst adults associated with a school in Ningbo, China, in June 2006, the epidemiological and clinical features of the outbreak were investigated. Logistic regression was conducted to investigate the risk factors of the outbreak and its transmission route. Forty five individuals suffered scarlet fever with an attack rate of 4.98% (45/904). There was a single peak in the epidemic curve, with the majority of the cases occurring during the first two days of the outbreak. The median age of cases was 35.5 years (range 17-65). Most patients had fever (43/45), sore throat (40/45), scarlatinoid rash (39/45) and strawberry-like tongue (30/45). In laboratory detection, 45 cases' throat swabs samples were collected and GAS were isolated from 8 throat swabs samples. All of the cases, except for 2, had eaten the Plain Boiled Chicken (PBC) for lunch on June 6th, and teaching staff and students who had not eaten the PBC were not affected by the epidemic. Logistic regression analysis indicated that PBC was a key risk factor (OR=21.0, P<0.05). The chef of the school refectory was responsible for washing, braising, cutting, and distributing the PBC, and was identified as the likely source. We describe an outbreak of scarlet fever caused by GAS-contaminated food.

Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Inmates

An initial attack of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis is observed in approximately 5% to 26% of adults in the late teens or early 20s. Correctional professionals need to understand the pathophysiology of the disease, signs and symptoms, diagnostic data and treatment protocols, and compliance issues to prevent the transfer of infection among inmates. Spread of the bacteria can occur through direct contact with mucus from the nose or throat and can be prevented through good hand washing. This article presents a classic case of an inmate presenting with GAS pharyngitis and the interventions employees of correctional facilities can practice.

Recurrent Group A Streptococcal Vulvovaginitis in Adult Women: Family Epidemiology

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) vulvovaginitis has been reported in prepubertal girls. In adult women, a vaginal carrier state has been described, but vulvovaginitis is rarely reported. We describe 2 cases of recurrent GAS vulvovaginitis in women whose husbands were gastrointestinal carriers of GAS. Characterization of the isolated strains demonstrated that identical emm types of GAS were shared by partners. Treatment of both partners resulted in resolution of vaginitis. On the basis of negative vaginal culture results obtained after treatment of each individual episode of vaginitis, we believe that the female patients were reinfected as a result of exposure to their husbands, with shedding likely to have occurred in bed. These cases reiterate the necessity for adequate screening of the patient's family and contacts in cases of recurrent GAS infection by culturing all potential areas of GAS carriage.

The Incidence of Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococci in Throat Specimens from Upper Respiratory Infections

The aim of the study is researching the incidence of group A beta hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) in upper respiratory tract infections in Turkey. This is a descriptive study. Totally, 3964 throat swabs obtained from patients with upper respiratory tract infections were cultured for isolation of GABHS in Corlu Military Hospital, Department of Microbiology, between April 2002 and April 2004. Standard microbiological techniques were used in the screening. In this study, GABHS were isolated from 230 (5.80%) of 3964 patients. The rate of isolation was 79 (5.65%)/914 in 2002 year, 103 (5.55%)/1857 in 2003 year, and 48 (6.77%)/709 in 2004 year. The rate of isolation was 50 (5.47%)/914 in the spring, 21 (3.21%)/642 in the summer, 49 (5.81%)/844 in the autumn, and 110 (7.03%)/1564 in the winter. We found that the overall incidence of GABHS in respiratory tract infections (5.80%) was lower than other studies and the incidence was the highest in the winter.