ABSTRACT

Objective:

To determine the throat carriage rate of Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococci among different age groups

Methods:

A total of 259 participants from Başkent University Private Ayşeabla School first grade students, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry first and second phase students were enrolled in this study. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The presence of any upper respiratory system infection symptoms, drug use, Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococci (GAS) history, family carriage history, socio-economic status were determined by using a questionnaire. Throat culture specimens were obtained with a cotton-tipped swab containing transport medium, transported to the laboratory within two hours, and processed in the same day with standard techniques. For data analysis Pearson's Chi-square and Monte Carlo simulation Chi-square tests were used

Results:

Out of 259 samples GAS was determined from only two samples (about 1%) in two adults. Carriage was not determined among school children. GAS cases were seen in a girl and a boy between 18-19 ages. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of carriage rate between girls and boys

Conclusion:

Better socio-economic status and hygiene conditions and also changing climate seem to be important factors than age.