Background. It has been proposed that infection by group A -hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) can trigger acute symptom exacerbations among patients with Tourette’s syndrome (TS) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), via autoimmune mechanisms. Objective. To examine the temporal relationship between newly acquired GABHS infections (and other immunologic indices) and acute exacerbations of tics an...

OBJECTIVE To compare rates of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) detection by real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) and standard culture (SCx) at different anatomic sites to determine whether a more patient-friendly site (eg, retromolar trigone or gingivobuccal sulcus) would yield results similar to the tonsillar surface. Real-time polymerase chain reaction can detect GABHS at ra...

1. Hemolytic streptococcus has been found in 100 per cent of the throats of patients with scarlet fever during the 1st week of the disease. 2. The average length of time that these organisms are present in the throat varies from 10 to 20 days. 3. No morphological or cultural characteristics peculiar to the hemolytic streptococcus from scarlet fever can be demonstrated. 4. Ten immune sera have b...

From one strain of hemolytic streptococcus three forms were isolated, which produced three different degrees of hemolysis on the surface of blood agar in the presence of oxygen. The original form was moderately hemolytic; the glossy variant was more hemolytic than the original form; and the third form, obtained by passing the original culture through mice, was non-hemolytic. Under anaerobic con...

Bacterial endocarditis affecting the normal heart is rare in childhood. Here we describe 2 children who developed endocarditis due to group A b-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) that required emergency cardiac surgery. These cases emphasize the importance of considering this diagnosis in children presenting with signs of embolism, for whom urgent intervention may avert catastrophe. Case 1. A 4-ye...

Although commercial rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) are more expensive than blood agar plate (BAP) cultures, the advantage they offer is the speed with which they provide results. Rapid identification and consequent prompt treatment of patients with pharyngitis due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS) can reduce the risk of spread of GABHS, can allow patients to return to school...

Upper respiratory tract infections are the commonest reason for consultation in primary care. Group A beta-haemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), the most important bacterial pathogen in this condition, can be cultured from about 30% of patients, more so in children than adults. Clinical features that are predictive of positive GABHS culture are absence of cough, fever, cervical adenopathy, tonsilla...

We conducted a meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (involving 2113 patients) comparing cephalosporins with penicillin for treatment of group A beta -hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) tonsillopharyngitis in adults. The summary odds ratio (OR) for bacteriologic cure rate significantly favored cephalosporins, compared with penicillin (OR,1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-2.44); th...

BACKGROUND Sore throat is a common symptom presented to general practitioners (GPs), and there remains controversy about the appropriate use of antibiotics. AIM To compare, in a randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of penicillin, cefixime and placebo on symptom resolution in patients presenting with a sore throat in general practice. METHOD Twenty-two GPs in Avon recruited 154 pat...

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the availability of results from a high-sensitivity, rapid test for group A streptococci (Strep A OIA; BioStar, Inc., Boulder, Colo.) improves physician outcome. The study population included 465 consecutive patients with symptoms of acute pharyngitis seen in two outpatient clinics in a large suburban medical center; one clinic, a walk-i...