EVALUATION OF FREQUENCY OF BETA HEMOLYTIC GROUP A STREPTOCOCCUS COLONIZATION IN THE THROAT OF 5 TO 15 YEAR-OLD CHILDREN WITHOUT RESPIRATORY SYMPTOM, REFERRED TO CHILDREN’S CLINICS IN URMIA

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus is the most important bacterial pathogen in pharyngitis. Although the disease is seen in all age groups, it is one of the most common bacterial infections in children. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Beta Hemolytic Group a Streptococcus colonization in the throat of 5 to 15 year-old children without respiratory symptoms, referred to children’s Clinics in Urmia, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was performed on children aged 5 to 15 years, referring to specialized pediatric clinics at Urmia University of Medical Sciences on 260 people from Jun 2021 to June 2022 in a row and available has been taken. Demographic information and clinical status were evaluated and then while taking a throat swab sample, the results were evaluated with positive culture in terms of sensitivity to common antibiotics.

The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of health carriers was 7.3%. There was a significant relationship between the father's job and the frequency of health carriers P=0.039. The most sensitive antibiotics were penicillin and ceftriaxone, and high resistance to erythromycin and chloramphenicol were observed.

Despite all the limitations of the present study, it seems that the prevalence of health carriers was moderate to low. The presence of antibiotic resistance indicates the lack of proper management of consumption, and the necessary measures should be taken to further control and monitor prescription and usage of antibiotics.