What is it about?
Physicians or clinicians in developing countries usually use signs and symptoms to diagnose acute pharyngitis. However, it is difficult to tell the difference between viral and bacterial pharyngitis based solely on signs and symptoms. As a result, culture-based diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid serious complications of bacterial infections. This research is, therefore, focused on the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, which is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in children. We reported its prevalence, antibiotic resistance rate, and possible associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia.
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Why is it important?
Although quick and accurate diagnosis along with proper treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis is critical in preventing complications, antibiotic-resistant isolates have been reported. One reason for this is the overuse of antibiotics by physicians or clinicians in the treatment of pharyngitis, which is more common in low-income countries. This highlights the need of understanding the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Streptococcus pyogenes to prevent the emergence and spread of resistant strains.
Perspectives
In the current study, we reported clinical manifestations of strep throat, such as tonsillar exudate, inflamed tonsils, difficulty swallowing, and a scarlatiniform rash are predictors of Streptococcal pharyngitis. We also reported that while penicillin is still the drug of choice for treating Streptococcal pharyngitis, tetracycline and macrolides cannot be used as empirical treatments. Where culture-based diagnostic facilities are available, it is recommended that children with acute pharyngitis be screened for Streptococcus pyogenes and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of isolates be evaluated on a regular basis.
Mr. Sirak Biset
University of Gondar
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Prevalence, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile and Associated Factors of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis Among Pediatric Patients with Acute Pharyngitis in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, Infection and Drug Resistance, March 2023, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.2147/idr.s402292.
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