Throat Carriage and Antibiogram Pattern Of Group A & Group G Beta Hemolytic Streptococci Among School Children In Mangalore

Streptococcal pharyngitis occurs most commonly among children between 5 & 15 years of age. Streptococcal pharyngeal infection not only causes acute illness but can also result in serious sequelae like Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) & Acute Glomerular Nephritis. (AGN) Pharyngeal carriage rates of Group A & G Streptococci among healthy school children varies with different geographical location and seasons. Objectives: The study aimed at assessing the throat carriage rate and antibiogram pattern of Group A & G Streptococci among school children in Mangalore. Methods: A total of 300 children aged between 5 -15 years were screened in various schools in Mangalore, over a period of one year. Throat swabs were collected and cultured using standard procedures, Beta haemolytic streptococci were identified & grouping was done using specific antisera. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed by Modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method using CLSI guidelines. Results: A total of 33 (11%) Beta haemolytic streptococci were recovered from 300 children investigated. Of 33 beta hemolytic streptococcal isolates, GAS & GGS accounted for 15/33(45.45%) & 18/33 (54.54%) respectively. The carrier rate for GGS was 6% (18/300) and GAS 5% (15/300) of the screened children. All GAS & GGS isolates were sensitive to penicillin. Conclusions: The present study revealed that both GGS & GAS are the most predominant beta-haemolytic streptococcus among healthy school children. It is recommended to conduct regular screening of Streptococcal surveillance in schools, and maintain rational use of antibiotics to minimize streptococcal carriage/infections and resistance.