Prevalence And Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern Of Group A Streptococcus In Children With Acute Pharyngitis

Abstract

Background: GAS pharyngitis remains an important infection in children due to its potential to cause Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease. These are complications that are preventable with the initiation of timely and appropriate antibiotics. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity of GAS isolates in children aged 2-15 years who presented to KNH PEU with acute pharyngitis. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted at KNH PEU. It assessed 198 children who met the inclusion criteria and whose parents provided informed consent and participants who provided informed, written assent The participants were recruited through consecutive sampling until the required sample size was met. Using a questionnaire, guardians and participants were interviewed to determine sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Participants underwent a clinical assessment and throat swabs which were subjected to RADT and Throat Cultures for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Results: Of 198 children with acute pharyngitis 76 had GAS (38.4%) There was significant association with a scarlatiniform rash (AOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.0-7.0; P value 0.044) and an inflamed pharynx (AOR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.6; P value 0.032) with GAS. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of GAS isolates revealed resistance to Augmentin (11.8%), amoxicillin (26.3%) and erythromycin (35.5%) Conclusion: The prevalence of GAS in children aged 2-15 years who present with acute pharyngitis in KNH is 38.4%. 11.8% of GAS isolates are resistant to Augmentin, while 26.3% are resistant to amoxicillin. 35.5% are resistant to erythromycin Recommendation: We recommend that all negative RADT results should be followed up with a throat culture as well as continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns to improve the use of antibiotics in hospitals