[A quick test of latex agglutination for diagnosing streptococcal pharyngitis and predictive value of the clinical picture]

Rev Clin Esp. 1989 Jun;185(1):14-8.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

One hundred and sixty patients with symptoms suggestive of pharyngitis were prospectively studied. The responsible agent in 24% of the cases was streptococcus B haemolyticus group A (EGA) with a clear predominance of female (64%) over male (36%) patients. The greatest number of infections by S. Pyogenes was observed in the age group between 5 and 9 years. No positive cases were found in children less than 3 years old. Utilizing the quick latex agglutination test and comparing the results to those obtained with conventional cultures, a diagnostic fiability of 91% was reached, with 94% specificity, 82% sensibility, 82% PPV, and 94% NPV. These results together with the simplicity and convenience of the technique confirm the usefulness of this diagnostic method. No clinical symptom can be significantly related to streptococcus B haemolyticus pharyngitis. The diagnosis based on the clinical picture has turned out inefficient.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Latex Fixation Tests*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharyngitis / diagnosis*
  • Pharyngitis / etiology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Time Factors