Potential for Molecular Testing for Group A Streptococcus to Improve Diagnosis and Management in a High-Risk Population: A Prospective Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In high-burden settings, guidelines recommend antibiotic treatment for all suspected group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections to prevent rheumatic fever and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Highly sensitive rapid GAS tests could reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in these settings.

Methods

This was a prospective study of the Xpert Xpress Strep A (Cepheid) molecular test compared with culture of throat swab samples collected at a referral hospital in northern Australia. Demographic and clinical data and results of streptococcal serology and culture were collected.

Results

Of 164 throat swab samples, 145 (88%) were eligible for inclusion; 49 (34%) were molecular test positive and 24 (17%) were culture positive for GAS. The sensitivity, specificity, a

SUBMITTER: Ralph AP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6469435 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature