Infection by beta-hemolytic streptococci. I. Relation of antistreptolysin O titers and the isolation of the micro-organism in healthy and rheumatic individuals
Sanchén Casas, A.; Zuaso Silva, J.L.; Suárez Cabrera, M.; Tabares Viton, D.
Revista Cubana de Medicina Tropical 33(1): 26-38
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0375-0760 PMID: 7034061 Document Number: 171269
Antistreptolysin O (ASLO) titers and pharyngeal carriage of .beta.-hemolytic streptococci were determined for 131 healthy persons (76 adults, 55 children) and 108 rheumatic fever patients (57 adults, 51 children). Average ASLO titers for healthy streptococcal carriers were 290.90 Todd units (TU) for adults and 525 TU for children. In rheumatic fever patients the respective titers were 311.11 and 450 TU. ASLO titers were higher in healthy carriers and rheumatic fever carriers than in .beta.-hemolytic streptococci-negative subjects. Predominant isolates belonged to groups C, G and unclassified, except that group A streptococci prevailed in rheumatic fever children.