Streptococcal pharyngitis in a primary care clinic

Singapore Med J. 1992 Dec;33(6):597-9.

Abstract

A study to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Directogen Group A Streptococcal Test was carried out in a primary care clinic in University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur. The study also looked at the prevalence of streptococcal pharyngitis in the clinic. We found that the rapid test has a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 90.7%. Viral pharyngitis is the commonest form (63%) of pharyngitis followed by Group A Beta haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis (14.2%). The presence of exudates, tonsillar enlargement and the presence of tender cervical lymph nodes have a significantly higher association with streptococcal pharyngitis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, Bacterial / analysis
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharyngitis / diagnosis*
  • Pharyngitis / microbiology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes* / immunology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes* / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial