Prevalence of Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus Carrier State and its Sensitivity to Different Antibiotics among Guidance - School Children in Kerman-Iran

Abstract

Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus is the most frequently isolated pathogen in acute pharyngitis and pharingotonsilits Cases in school - aged children. Resulting in dangerous complications such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis, diagnosis and treatment of the disease would be of great importance. The aim of this study was determination of the frequency of group A β-hemolytic streptococcus carriers in middle school in Kerman. A total of 200 students with ages ranging from 11 to 15 years were included in the study. The inclusion criteria were having no symptoms or signs of upper respiratory tract infection, and no antibiotics usage in the last two weeks. The overall prevalence of group A β-hemolytic streptococcus carrier state in all age groups was 28.5%. After doing antibiogram test, all of them were sensitive to vancomycin, erythromycin and cephalotin and reversely resistant to penicillin. Our study suggests that inappropriate use of these antibiotics increases the chronic carrier state of Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus in our community.