Prevalence of Streptococcal Pharyngitis and Streptococcal Carriage in Children: A Meta-analysis
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- 1 September 2010
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in PEDIATRICS
- Vol. 126 (3), e557-e564
- https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2009-2648
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Prevalence estimates can help clinicians make informed decisions regarding diagnostic testing of children who present with symptoms of pharyngitis. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the (1) prevalence of streptococcal infection among children who presented with sore throat and (2) prevalence of streptococcal carriage among asymptomatic children. METHODS: We searched Medline for articles on pediatric streptococcal pharyngitis. We included articles in our review when they contained data on the prevalence of group A Streptococcus (GAS) from pharyngeal specimens in children who were younger than 18 years. Two evaluators independently reviewed, rated, and abstracted data from each article. Prevalence estimates were pooled in a meta-analysis and stratified according to age group. RESULTS: Of the 266 articles retrieved, 29 met all inclusion criteria. Among children of all ages who present with sore throat, the pooled prevalence of GAS was 37% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32%–43%). Children who were younger than 5 years had a lower prevalence of GAS (24% [95% CI: 21%–26%]). The prevalence of GAS carriage among well children with no signs or symptoms of pharyngitis was 12% (95% CI: 9%–14%). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence rates of GAS disease and carriage varied by age; children who were younger than 5 years had lower rates of throat cultures that were positive for GAS.Keywords
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