Clinical criteria to diagnosing of streptococcal pharyngitis in young adult patients
De Socio, G.Vittorio.Luigi.; Izzo, M.; Damiani, M.; Pasticci, M.Bruna.; Baldelli, F.; Cordoni, A.; Stagni, G.
Recenti Progressi in Medicina 95(4): 200-203
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-1193 PMID: 15147065 Document Number: 573483
Most sore throat is due to viral upper respiratory tract infections, whereas the frequency of antibiotic use in adult patients is about 73%. We evaluate the clinical guidelines (approved by the CDC) about appropriate antibiotic use for acute pharyngitis in young adults. We observe a low prevalence (3,2%) of group A (3 haemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) in a population of universitary students. Minimizing unnecessary antimicrobial therapy in this setting is highly desirable. Use of clinical criteria (Centor algorithm) does indeed identify patients whose risk for GABHS infection is so low that microbiological testing or antibiotic treatment is unnecessary.