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Eustace MB, Hall L, Patel B, Wozniak TM. Responding to the AMR threat: data and information needs of stakeholders working in regional and remote Australia. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2024; 4:e94. [PMID: 38807932 PMCID: PMC11131003 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Our qualitative analysis of interviews with remote Australian healthcare professionals found that they require reliable, local antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data reflecting the geographical diversity of the population they serve. The optimal use of AMR data must consider challenges within this setting, including high staff turnover, limited diagnostic capacity, and antibiotic shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Hall
- University of Queensland School of Public Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Tu WC, Jeacopello I, Blom A, Alfaro E, Shinkawa VAM, Hatchett DB, Sanchez JC, McManamen AM, Su X, Berthier E, Thongpang S, Wald ER, DeMuri GP, Theberge AB. Capture of Group A Streptococcus by Open-Microfluidic CandyCollect Device in Pediatric Patients. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.12.14.23299923. [PMID: 38168197 PMCID: PMC10760271 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.23299923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Importance Obtaining high-quality samples to diagnose streptococcal pharyngitis in pediatric patients is challenging due to discomfort associated with traditional pharyngeal swabs. This may cause reluctance to go to the clinic, inaccurate diagnosis, or inappropriate treatment for children with sore throat. Objective Determine the efficacy of using CandyCollect, a lollipop-inspired open-microfluidic pathogen collection device, to capture Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and compare user preference for CandyCollect, conventional pharyngeal swabs, or mouth swabs among children with pharyngitis and their caregivers. Design Participants of this cohort study were recruited over a 7-month period in 2022 - 2023. Setting This study was conducted at an ambulatory care clinic that serves pediatric patients in the Madison, Wisconsin, metropolitan area. Participants Study participants were diagnosed with GAS pharyngitis using a traditional pharyngeal swab via rapid antigen detection test (RADT); those testing positive were approached or reached out to about participation in the study. A total of 74 caregiver/children dyads were contacted about the study: 23 declined to participate; 21 were not eligible; and 30 willing and eligible participants were admitted into the study. A caregiver provided verbal consent and parental permission, and all children provided verbal assent. Immediately after the standard of care visit in which the throat swab was obtained, a research nurse guided participants through collecting oral samples: CandyCollect device and mouth swab (ESwab TM ). CandyCollect and mouth swab samples were analyzed for GAS by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) at the University of Washington. Exposure Detection of salivary GAS using qPCR analysis of samples obtained from CandyCollect devices and mouth swabs. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportion of pediatric patients with GAS pharyngitis, as determined by a positive pharyngeal swab tested via a RADT, who were also positive using a CandyCollect and mouth swab analyzed by qPCR. Results All child participants (30/30) were positive for GAS by qPCR on both the mouth swab and CandyCollect. Caregivers ranked CandyCollect as a good sampling method overall (27/30), and all caregivers (30/30) would recommend the CandyCollect for children 5 years and older. Twenty-three of 30 children "really like" the taste and 24/30 would prefer to use the CandyCollect if a future test was needed. All caregivers (30/30) and most children (28/30) would be willing to use the CandyCollect device at home. Conclusion and relevance All participants tested positive for GAS on all three collection methods (pharyngeal swab, mouth swab, and CandyCollect). While both caregivers and children like the CandyCollect device, some caregivers would prefer a shorter collection time. Future work includes additional studies with larger cohorts presenting with pharyngitis of unknown etiology and shortening collection time, while maintaining the attractive form of the device. Trial Registration Registry name: ClinicalTrials.gov ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05175196 Weblink: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05175196. Key Points Question: In pediatric patients with Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis, how do test results and user experience compare across three sampling methods-CandyCollect devices, mouth swabs, and pharyngeal swabs?Findings: In this cohort study of 30 children, aged 5-14 years, saliva samples were collected with CandyCollect devices and mouth swabs and analyzed via qPCR. The results show CandyCollect, a pathogen collection tool preferred by children, had 100% concordance with the results from pharyngeal swabs positive with a rapid antigen detection test performed as part of their clinical care.Meaning: With further development and testing, the CandyCollect device may potentially become an alternative sampling tool for the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis.
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Taylor A, Webb R. Fifteen-minute consultation: Group A streptococcal pharyngitis, diagnosis and treatment in children. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2024:edpract-2023-325755. [PMID: 38514137 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis in children. GAS causes significant suppurative and non-suppurative complications including invasive GAS disease and acute rheumatic fever. This article describes the current epidemiology and clinical presentation of GAS pharyngitis and explores how diagnostic and treatment decisions differ globally. Several key decision support tools are discussed including international guidelines, clinical decision scores and laboratory tests along with the evidence for treatment choice and duration. With recent international reports describing an increase in GAS infections, clinicians should be familiar with their local GAS pharyngitis guidelines and the rationale for diagnosis and treatment of this common childhood illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Taylor
- Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rachel Webb
- Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Starship Children's Health, Auckland, New Zealand
- Paediatrics, Kidz First Hospital, Counties Manukau, Auckland, New Zealand
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Rwebembera J, Cannon JW, Sanyahumbi A, Sotoodehnia N, Taubert K, Yilgwan CS, Bukhman G, Masterson M, Bruno FP, Bowen A, Dale JB, Engel ME, Beaton A, Van Beneden C. Research opportunities for the primary prevention and management of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop report. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012356. [PMID: 37914184 PMCID: PMC10619102 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) encompasses the timely diagnosis and adequate treatment of the superficial group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections pharyngitis and impetigo. GAS is the only known inciting agent in the pathophysiology of the disease. However, sufficient evidence indicates that the uptake and delivery of primary prevention approaches in RHD-endemic regions are significantly suboptimal. This report presents expert deliberations on priority research and implementation opportunities for primary prevention of ARF/RHD that were developed as part of a workshop convened by the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in November 2021. The opportunities identified by the Primary Prevention Working Group encompass epidemiological, laboratory, clinical, implementation and dissemination research domains and are anchored on five pillars including: (A) to gain a better understanding of superficial GAS infection epidemiology to guide programmes and policies; (B) to improve diagnosis of superficial GAS infections in RHD endemic settings; (C) to develop scalable and sustainable models for delivery of primary prevention; (D) to understand potential downstream effects of the scale-up of primary prevention and (E) to develop and conduct economic evaluations of primary prevention strategies in RHD endemic settings. In view of the multisectoral stakeholders in primary prevention strategies, we emphasise the need for community co-design and government engagement, especially in the implementation and dissemination research arena. We present these opportunities as a reference point for research organisations and sponsors who aim to contribute to the increasing momentum towards the global control and prevention of RHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn Rwebembera
- Division of Adult Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute Ltd, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeffrey W Cannon
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Sanyahumbi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nona Sotoodehnia
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kathryn Taubert
- American Heart Association International, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Physiology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher Sabo Yilgwan
- Departments of Paediatrics and West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Jos/Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Gene Bukhman
- Center for Integration Science in Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mary Masterson
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Fernando P Bruno
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Asha Bowen
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - James B Dale
- Department of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark E Engel
- AFROStrep Research Initiative, Cape Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrea Beaton
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Pickering J, Sampson C, Mullane M, Sheel M, Barth DD, Lane M, Walker R, Atkinson D, Carapetis JR, Bowen AC. A pilot study to develop assessment tools for Group A Streptococcus surveillance studies. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14945. [PMID: 36935916 PMCID: PMC10022509 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes pharyngitis (sore throat) and impetigo (skin sores) GAS pharyngitis triggers rheumatic fever (RF) with epidemiological evidence supporting that GAS impetigo may also trigger RF in Australian Aboriginal children. Understanding the concurrent burden of these superficial GAS infections is critical to RF prevention. This pilot study aimed to trial tools for concurrent surveillance of sore throats and skins sore for contemporary studies of RF pathogenesis including development of a sore throat checklist for Aboriginal families and pharynx photography. Methods Yarning circle conversations and semi-structured interviews were performed with Aboriginal caregivers and used to develop the language and composition of a sore throat checklist. The sore throat story checklist was combined with established methods of GAS pharyngitis and impetigo surveillance (examination, bacteriological culture, rapid antigen detection and serological tests) and new technologies (photography) and used for a pilot cross-sectional surveillance study of Aboriginal children attending their health clinic for a routine appointment. Feasibility, acceptability, and study costs were compiled. Results Ten Aboriginal caregivers participated in the sore-throat yarning circles; a checklist was derived from predominant symptoms and their common descriptors. Over two days, 21 Aboriginal children were approached for the pilot surveillance study, of whom 17 were recruited; median age was 9 years [IQR 5.5-13.5], 65% were female. One child declined throat swabbing and three declined finger pricks; all other surveillance elements were completed by each child indicating high acceptability of surveillance assessments. Mean time for screening assessment was 19 minutes per child. Transport of clinical specimens enabled gold standard microbiological and serological testing for GAS. Retrospective examination of sore throat photography concorded with assessments performed on the day. Conclusion Yarning circle conversations were effective in deriving culturally appropriate sore throat questionnaires for GAS pharyngitis surveillance. New and established tools were feasible, practical and acceptable to participants and enable surveillance to determine the burden of superficial GAS infections in communities at high risk of RF. Surveillance of GAS pharyngitis and impetgio in remote Australia informs primary RF prevention with potential global translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janessa Pickering
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia., Perth, Australia
| | - Claudia Sampson
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Australia
| | - Marianne Mullane
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia., Perth, Australia
| | - Meru Sheel
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, ANU College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Canberra, Australia
| | - Dylan D. Barth
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia., Perth, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Mary Lane
- Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service, Broome, Australia
| | - Roz Walker
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Ngank Yira Institute for Change, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
| | - David Atkinson
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Australia
| | - Jonathan R. Carapetis
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia., Perth, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, Perth, Australia
| | - Asha C. Bowen
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia., Perth, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, Perth, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
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Ralph AP, Kelly A, Lee AM, Mungatopi VL, Babui SR, Budhathoki NK, Wade V, de Dassel JL, Wyber R. Evaluation of a Community-Led Program for Primordial and Primary Prevention of Rheumatic Fever in Remote Northern Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191610215. [PMID: 36011846 PMCID: PMC9407981 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors including household crowding and inadequate washing facilities underpin recurrent streptococcal infections in childhood that cause acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and subsequent rheumatic heart disease (RHD). No community-based 'primordial'-level interventions to reduce streptococcal infection and ARF rates have been reported from Australia previously. We conducted a study at three Australian Aboriginal communities aiming to reduce infections including skin sores and sore throats, usually caused by Group A Streptococci, and ARF. Data were collected for primary care diagnoses consistent with likely or potential streptococcal infection, relating to ARF or RHD or related to environmental living conditions. Rates of these diagnoses during a one-year Baseline Phase were compared with a three-year Activity Phase. Participants were children or adults receiving penicillin prophylaxis for ARF. Aboriginal community members were trained and employed to share knowledge about ARF prevention, support reporting and repairs of faulty health-hardware including showers and provide healthcare navigation for families focusing on skin sores, sore throat and ARF. We hypothesized that infection-related diagnoses would increase through greater recognition, then decrease. We enrolled 29 participants and their families. Overall infection-related diagnosis rates increased from Baseline (mean rate per-person-year 1.69 [95% CI 1.10-2.28]) to Year One (2.12 [95% CI 1.17-3.07]) then decreased (Year Three: 0.72 [95% CI 0.29-1.15]) but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.064). Annual numbers of first-known ARF decreased, but numbers were small: there were six cases of first-known ARF during Baseline, then five, 1, 0 over the next three years respectively. There was a relationship between household occupancy and numbers (p = 0.018), but not rates (p = 0.447) of infections. This first Australian ARF primordial prevention study provides a feasible model with encouraging findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P. Ralph
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
- Division of Medicine, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin 0810, Australia
- Rheumatic Heart Disease Australia, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin 0810, Australia
| | - Angela Kelly
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
| | - Anne-Marie Lee
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
- Sunrise Health Corporation, Katherine 0850, Australia
| | - Valerina L. Mungatopi
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
| | - Segora R. Babui
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
| | - Nanda Kaji Budhathoki
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0810, Australia
| | - Vicki Wade
- Rheumatic Heart Disease Australia, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin 0810, Australia
| | | | - Rosemary Wyber
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth 6000, Australia
- George Institute for Global Health, Sydney 2000, Australia
- Australian National University, Canberra 2610, Australia
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He W, Wu C, Zhong Y, Li J, Wang G, Yu B, Xu P, Xiao Y, Tang T. Case Report: Therapeutic Strategy With Delayed Debridement for Culture-Negative Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing. Front Public Health 2022; 10:899077. [PMID: 35646803 PMCID: PMC9130855 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.899077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) caused by group A streptococcus is a rare condition that rapidly developed to multiple organ failure even death. Therefore, prompt diagnosis, initiate appropriate antibiotics and other supportive treatments are critical. Here we reported a case of STSS caused by group A streptococcus infection. A healthy 39-year-old man presented a sudden pain in the left lower extremity, followed by a high fever (40.0 °C) with dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Twenty-four hours before the visit, the patient showed anuria. The patient was then admitted to the intensive care unit. Blood examination revealed elevated levels of inflammatory markers and creatinine. He suffered from septic shock, dysfunction of coagulation, acute kidney dysfunction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute liver function injury. The diagnosis was obtained through clinical manifestation and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) drawn from the pustule and deep soft tissue (lower limb) samples while all bacterial cultures came back negative. The pustule mNGS report detected a total of 132 unique group A streptococcus sequence reads, representing 96.3% of microbial reads while the soft tissue mNGS report identified a total of 142474 unique group A streptococcus sequence reads, representing 100% of microbial reads. The patient was treated with aggressive fluid resuscitation, antibiotics comprising piperacillin/tazobactam and clindamycin, respiratory support, following the delayed surgical debridement. Intravenous immunoglobulin was also used for 5 days. On the 14th day after admission, he was transferred to the general ward for follow-up treatment. Our case highlighted, for the first time, the key role of mNGS in the early diagnosis of culture-negative invasive group A streptococcal infection. The case also suggested that clindamycin combined with beta-lactam antibiotics and adjunction of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy with delayed debridement performed well in the management of unstable STSS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chenfang Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanjun Zhong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guyi Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiwen Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tiantian Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine and Innovative Drug, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Tiantian Tang
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Wyber R, Lizama C, Wade V, Pearson G, Carapetis J, Ralph AP, Bowen AC, Peiris D. Improving primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever in Australia: consensus primary care priorities identified through an eDelphi process. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056239. [PMID: 35273057 PMCID: PMC8915338 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the priorities of primary care providers to improve assessment and treatment of skin sores and sore throats among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at risk of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). DESIGN Modified eDelphi survey, informed by an expert focus group and literature review. SETTING Primary care services in any one of the five Australian states or territories with a high burden of ARF. PARTICIPANTS People working in any primary care role within the last 5 years in jurisdiction with a high burden of ARF. RESULTS Nine people participated in the scoping expert focus group which informed identification of an access framework for subsequent literature review. Fifteen broad concepts, comprising 29 strategies and 63 different actions, were identified on this review. These concepts were presented to participants in a two-round eDelphi survey. Twenty-six participants from five jurisdictions participated, 16/26 (62%) completed both survey rounds. Seven strategies were endorsed as high priorities. Most were demand-side strategies with a focus on engaging communities and individuals in accessible, comprehensive, culturally appropriate primary healthcare. Eight strategies were not endorsed as high priority, all of which were supply-side approaches. Qualitative responses highlighted the importance of a comprehensive primary healthcare approach as standard of care rather than disease-specific strategies related to management of skin sores and sore throat. CONCLUSION Primary care staff priorities should inform Australia's commitments to reduce the burden of RHD. In particular, strategies to support comprehensive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care services rather than an exclusive focus on discrete, disease-specific initiatives are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Wyber
- Health Systems Science, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Catalina Lizama
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Vicki Wade
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Glenn Pearson
- Aboriginal Health Institute Leadership Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Carapetis
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anna P Ralph
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- General Medicine and Inectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Peiris
- Health Systems Science, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia
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Ivaska L, Niemelä J, Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela K, Putkuri N, Vuopio J, Vuorinen T, Waris M, Rantakokko-Jalava K, Peltola V. Detection of group A streptococcus in children with confirmed viral pharyngitis and antiviral host response. Eur J Pediatr 2022; 181:4059-4065. [PMID: 36163516 PMCID: PMC9512968 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04633-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Our aim was to study the detection of group A streptococcus (GAS) with different diagnostic methods in paediatric pharyngitis patients with and without a confirmed viral infection. In this prospective observational study, throat swabs and blood samples were collected from children (age 1-16 years) presenting to the emergency department with febrile pharyngitis. A confirmed viral infection was defined as a positive virus diagnostic test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] and/or serology) together with an antiviral immune response of the host demonstrated by elevated (≥ 175 µg/L) myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) blood concentration. Testing for GAS was performed by a throat culture, by 2 rapid antigen detection tests (StrepTop and mariPOC) and by 2 NAATs (Simplexa and Illumigene). Altogether, 83 children were recruited of whom 48 had samples available for GAS testing. Confirmed viral infection was diagnosed in 30/48 (63%) children with febrile pharyngitis. Enteroviruses 11/30 (37%), adenoviruses 9/30 (30%) and rhinoviruses 9/30 (30%) were the most common viruses detected. GAS was detected by throat culture in 5/30 (17%) with and in 6/18 (33%) patients without a confirmed viral infection. Respectively, GAS was detected in 4/30 (13%) and 6/18 (33%) by StrepTop, 13/30 (43%) and 10/18 (56%) by mariPOC, 6/30 (20%) and 9/18 (50%) by Simplexa, and 5/30 (17%) and 6/18 (30%) patients by Illumigene. CONCLUSION GAS was frequently detected also in paediatric pharyngitis patients with a confirmed viral infection. The presence of antiviral host response and increased GAS detection by sensitive methods suggest incidental throat carriage of GAS in viral pharyngitis. WHAT IS KNOWN •The frequency and significance of GAS-virus co-detection are poorly characterised in children with pharyngitis. •Detection of a virus and the antiviral host response likely indicates symptomatic infection. WHAT IS NEW •Group A streptococcus (GAS) was detected in 17-43% of the children with confirmed viral pharyngitis depending on the GAS diagnostic method. •Our results emphasize the risk of detecting and treating incidental pharyngeal carriage of GAS in children with viral pharyngitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Ivaska
- Departments of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland. .,Emergency Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jussi Niemelä
- grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDepartments of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland ,grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XEmergency Services, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kirsi Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Niina Putkuri
- grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland ,grid.452433.70000 0000 9387 9501Finnish Red Cross, Blood Service, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Vuopio
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland ,grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Tytti Vuorinen
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland ,grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Waris
- grid.1374.10000 0001 2097 1371Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland ,grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Kaisu Rantakokko-Jalava
- grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDivision of Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Peltola
- grid.410552.70000 0004 0628 215XDepartments of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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10
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The Utility of Rapid Group A Streptococcus Molecular Testing Compared with Throat Culture for the Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis in a High-Incidence Rheumatic Fever Population. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0097821. [PMID: 34550808 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00978-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) causes significant morbidity and mortality in New Zealand and is responsible for invasive disease and immune sequelae, including acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Early treatment of GAS pharyngitis reduces the risk of ARF. In settings with a high burden of GAS disease, a rapid GAS pharyngitis diagnostic test with a strong negative predictive value is needed to enable prompt and accurate treatment. This prospective study compares the Xpert Xpress Strep A molecular test (Cepheid) to throat culture and a second molecular method, the BioGX group A streptococcus-open system reagent (OSR) for BD Max for the diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis. Throat swabs were collected from the emergency department and wards of Middlemore Hospital, New Zealand. The BioGX group A streptococcus OSR for BD Max contributes to the composite gold standard of throat culture or both molecular methods positive. Basic demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Two hundred five out of two hundred fourteen swabs were suitable for analysis. Of those, 28/205 (13.7%) were GAS culture positive, 45/205 (22%) Xpert Xpress Strep A positive, and 38/205 (18.5%) BioGX positive. Compared to culture, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Xpert Xpress Strep A molecular test were 100%, 90.4%, 62.2%, and 100%, respectively. Compared to the composite gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 100%, 95.8%, 84.4%, and 100%, respectively. Seventeen samples were Xpert Xpress positive but culture negative; 6 of these 17 swabs represent true positives with evidence of recent GAS infection. Ten samples were culture negative but both Xpert Xpress and BioGX positive. The Xpert Xpress Strep A molecular test is highly sensitive with a strong negative predictive value and rapid turnaround time. It can be safely introduced as a first-line test for throat swabs in a high-incidence ARF population.
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11
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Kotit S, Phillips DIW, Afifi A, Yacoub M. The "Cairo Accord"- Towards the Eradication of RHD: An Update. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:690227. [PMID: 34277735 PMCID: PMC8282907 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.690227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults. It continues to be prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries where it causes significant morbidity and mortality. Following the 2017 Cairo conference "Rheumatic Heart Disease: from Molecules to the Global Community," experts from 21 countries formulated an approach for addressing the problem of RHD: "The Cairo Accord on Rheumatic Heart Disease." The Accord attempts to set policy priorities for the eradication of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD and builds on a recent series of policy initiatives and calls to action. We present an update on the recommendations of the Cairo Accord and discuss recent progress toward the eradication of RHD, including contributions from our own Aswan Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (ARGI).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David I. W. Phillips
- Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Division, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Magdi Yacoub
- Aswan Heart Centre, Aswan, Egypt
- Heart Science Centre, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Prospective Evaluation of Xpert® Xpress Strep A Automated PCR Assay vs. Solana® Group A Streptococcal Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing vs. Conventional Throat Culture. Curr Microbiol 2021; 78:2956-2960. [PMID: 34085100 PMCID: PMC8174534 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-021-02547-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In our laboratory, the negative rapid group A streptococcal (GAS) antigen assays are backed up by the Solana® GAS Assay by Quidel instead of a Group A streptococcal throat culture. Another FDA cleared RT-PCR assay is the Xpert® Xpress Strep A, which detects Streptococcus pyogenes DNA, and is performed on the Cepheid GeneXpert instrument. Three hundred seventy-five positive and negative specimens were randomly selected from 5489 throat specimens that had been tested by the Solana® GAS Assay during January 2018 and were tested with the Xpress Strep A assay. A throat culture was also set up (sheep blood agar at 35 °C in 5% CO2). All beta-hemolytic streptococci were purified and identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Of the 375 samples, 185 were positive by Solana® GAS Assay, and 187 were positive by the Xpress Strep A. The total agreement between the Solana® GAS Assay and the Xpert® Xpress Strep A was 99.5%. The agreement of the Xpert® Xpress Strep A assay with culture was 90.1%. The sensitivity and specificity for Xpress Strep A versus culture were 100% and 83.5%, respectively. The Xpert® Xpress Strep A assay’s performance was equivalent to the Solana® GAS Assay, and was highly sensitive. The lower specificity was likely due to the Xpress Strep A assay having higher sensitivity as compared to throat culture.
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13
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Dubois C, Smeesters PR, Refes Y, Levy C, Bidet P, Cohen R, Chalumeau M, Toubiana J, Cohen JF. Diagnostic accuracy of rapid nucleic acid tests for group A streptococcal pharyngitis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1736-1745. [PMID: 33964409 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common conditions in outpatient settings and an important source of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) offer diagnosis of group A streptococcus at the point of care but have limited sensitivity. Rapid nucleic acid tests (RNATs) are now available; a systematic review of their accuracy is lacking. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the accuracy of RNATs in patients with pharyngitis; to explore test-level and study-level factors that could explain variability in accuracy; and to compare the accuracy of RNATs with that of RADTs. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science (1990-2020). STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Cross-sectional studies and randomized trials. PARTICIPANTS Patients with pharyngitis. INDEX TEST/S AND REFERENCE STANDARDS RNAT commercial kits compared with throat culture. METHODS We assessed risk of bias and applicability using QUADAS-2. We performed meta-analysis of sensitivity and specificity using the bivariate random-effects model. Variability was explored by subgroup analyses and meta-regression. RESULTS We included 38 studies (46 test evaluations; 17 411 test results). RNATs were most often performed in a laboratory. The overall methodological quality of primary studies was uncertain because of incomplete reporting. RNATs had a summary sensitivity of 97.5% (95% CI 96.2%-98.3%) and a summary specificity of 95.1% (95% CI 93.6%-96.3%). There was low variability in estimates across studies. Variability in sensitivity and specificity was partially explained by test type (p < 0.05 for both). Sensitivity analyses limited to studies with low risk of bias showed robust accuracy estimates. RNATs were more sensitive than RADTs (13 studies; 96.8% versus 82.3%, p 0.004); there was no difference in specificity (p 0.92). CONCLUSIONS The high diagnostic accuracy of RNATs may allow their use as stand-alone tests to diagnose group A streptococcus pharyngitis. Based on direct comparisons, RNATs have greater sensitivity than RADTs and equal specificity. Further studies should evaluate RNATs in point-of-care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Dubois
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université libre de Bruxelles, Department of Paediatrics, Brussels, Belgium; Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Corinne Levy
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne, ACTIV, Créteil, France
| | - Philippe Bidet
- Robert Debré Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris, Department of Microbiology, Paris, France
| | - Robert Cohen
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne, ACTIV, Créteil, France
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, Paris, France; Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris, Department of General Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Julie Toubiana
- Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris, Department of General Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Paris, France; Institut Pasteur, Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens, Paris, France
| | - Jérémie F Cohen
- Université de Paris, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics (CRESS), INSERM, Paris, France; Necker-Enfants malades Hospital, APHP, Université de Paris, Department of General Paediatrics and Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Paris, France.
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14
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Avire NJ, Whiley H, Ross K. A Review of Streptococcus pyogenes: Public Health Risk Factors, Prevention and Control. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020248. [PMID: 33671684 PMCID: PMC7926438 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, (colloquially named “group A streptococcus” (GAS)), is a pathogen of public health significance, infecting 18.1 million people worldwide and resulting in 500,000 deaths each year. This review identified published articles on the risk factors and public health prevention and control strategies for mitigating GAS diseases. The pathogen causing GAS diseases is commonly transmitted via respiratory droplets, touching skin sores caused by GAS or through contact with contaminated material or equipment. Foodborne transmission is also possible, although there is need for further research to quantify this route of infection. It was found that GAS diseases are highly prevalent in developing countries, and among indigenous populations and low socioeconomic areas in developed countries. Children, the immunocompromised and the elderly are at the greatest risk of S. pyogenes infections and the associated sequelae, with transmission rates being higher in schools, kindergartens, hospitals and residential care homes. This was attributed to overcrowding and the higher level of social contact in these settings. Prevention and control measures should target the improvement of living conditions, and personal and hand hygiene. Adherence to infection prevention and control practices should be emphasized in high-risk settings. Resource distribution by governments, especially in developed countries, should also be considered.
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15
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Wyber R, Noonan K, Halkon C, Enkel S, Cannon J, Haynes E, Mitchell AG, Bessarab DC, Katzenellenbogen JM, Bond-Smith D, Seth R, D'Antoine H, Ralph AP, Bowen AC, Brown A, Carapetis JR. Ending rheumatic heart disease in Australia: the evidence for a new approach. Med J Aust 2020; 213 Suppl 10:S3-S31. [PMID: 33190287 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
■The RHD Endgame Strategy: the blueprint to eliminate rheumatic heart disease in Australia by 2031 (the Endgame Strategy) is the blueprint to eliminate rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Australia by 2031. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live with one of the highest per capita burdens of RHD in the world. ■The Endgame Strategy synthesises information compiled across the 5-year lifespan of the End Rheumatic Heart Disease Centre of Research Excellence (END RHD CRE). Data and results from priority research projects across several disciplines of research complemented literature reviews, systematic reviews and narrative reviews. Further, the experiences of those working in acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD control and those living with RHD to provide the technical evidence for eliminating RHD in Australia were included. ■The lived experience of RHD is a critical factor in health outcomes. All future strategies to address ARF and RHD must prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's knowledge, perspectives and experiences and develop co-designed approaches to RHD elimination. The environmental, economic, social and political context of RHD in Australia is inexorably linked to ending the disease. ■Statistical modelling undertaken in 2019 looked at the economic and health impacts of implementing an indicative strategy to eliminate RHD by 2031. Beginning in 2019, the strategy would include: reducing household crowding, improving hygiene infrastructure, strengthening primary health care and improving secondary prophylaxis. It was estimated that the strategy would prevent 663 deaths and save the health care system $188 million. ■The Endgame Strategy provides the evidence for a new approach to RHD elimination. It proposes an implementation framework of five priority action areas. These focus on strategies to prevent new cases of ARF and RHD early in the causal pathway from Streptococcus pyogenes exposure to ARF, and strategies that address the critical systems and structural changes needed to support a comprehensive RHD elimination strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Wyber
- George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW.,Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rebecca Seth
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA.,University of Western Australia, Perth, WA
| | | | | | - Asha C Bowen
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA.,Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA
| | - Alex Brown
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA.,University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA
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16
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Mustafa Z, Ghaffari M. Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Guidelines, and Antibiotic Treatment for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: A Narrative Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:563627. [PMID: 33178623 PMCID: PMC7593338 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.563627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis is infection by Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), commonly known as strep throat. 5-15% of adults and 15-35% of children in the United States with pharyngitis have a GABHS infection. The symptoms of GABHS overlap with non-GABHS and viral causes of acute pharyngitis, complicating the problem of diagnosis. A careful physical examination and patient history is the starting point for diagnosing GABHS. After a physical examination and patient history is completed, five types of diagnostic methods can be used to ascertain the presence of a GABHS infection: clinical scoring systems, rapid antigen detection tests, throat culture, nucleic acid amplification tests, and machine learning and artificial intelligence. Clinical guidelines developed by professional associations can help medical professionals choose among available techniques to diagnose strep throat. However, guidelines for diagnosing GABHS created by the American and European professional associations vary significantly, and there is substantial evidence that most physicians do not follow any published guidelines. Treatment for GABHS using analgesics, antipyretics, and antibiotics seeks to provide symptom relief, shorten the duration of illness, prevent nonsuppurative and suppurative complications, and decrease the risk of contagion, while minimizing the unnecessary use of antibiotics. There is broad agreement that antibiotics with narrow spectrums of activity are appropriate for treating strep throat. But whether and when patients should be treated with antibiotics for GABHS remains a controversial question. There is no clearly superior management strategy for strep throat, as significant controversy exists regarding the best methods to diagnose GABHS and under what conditions antibiotics should be prescribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Mustafa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Masoumeh Ghaffari
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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17
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Pickering JL, Barth DD, Bowen AC. Performance and Practicality of a Rapid Molecular Test for the Diagnosis of Strep A Pharyngitis in a Remote Australian Setting. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:2530-2532. [PMID: 32901604 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 5 days, 120 schoolchildren from two schools in the remote Kimberley region of Australia were screened for Strep A pharyngitis. Molecular point-of-care testing identified Strep A pharyngitis in 13/18 (72.2%) symptomatic children. The portability and feasibility of molecular point-of-care testing was highly practical for remote settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janessa L Pickering
- Wesfarmer's Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia.,Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Dylan D Barth
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia.,Wesfarmer's Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Asha C Bowen
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia.,Wesfarmer's Centre for Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia.,Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
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18
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Osowicki J, Steer AC. Diagnosis of rheumatic fever: the need for a better test. Arch Dis Child 2020; 105:813-814. [PMID: 32601088 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-318970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Osowicki
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Children's Global Health, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Children's Global Health, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Araki Y, Kawaguchi A, Sakakibara N, Nagaoka Y, Yamamura T, Horinouchi T, Nagano C, Morisada N, Iijima K, Nozu K. Poststreptococcal acute glomerulonephritis can be a risk factor for accelerating kidney dysfunction in Alport syndrome: a case experience. CEN Case Rep 2020; 9:418-422. [PMID: 32592137 DOI: 10.1007/s13730-020-00498-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alport syndrome (AS) is a progressive kidney disease. Male cases with X-linked AS (XLAS) are reported to develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) at the age of around 20-30 years. One risk factor for developing ESKD at a young age is a genotype of having truncating variants in the COL4A5 gene. However, to date, other such factors have remained unclear. Here, we describe a 15-year-old Japanese boy with XLAS who had a missense variant in the COL4A5 gene. He presented with gross hematuria, severe proteinuria, oliguria, systemic edema, body weight gain, and hypertension after pharyngitis. Blood examination showed kidney dysfunction, hypocomplementemia, and elevated antistreptolysin-O level. We diagnosed him with poststreptococcal acute glomerulonephritis (PSAGN) and he was stopped treatment by lisinopril, and received supportive treatment. However, he showed an unusual clinical course for PSAGN and, consequently, developed ESKD 15 months after the onset of PSAGN without recovery from the kidney dysfunction. This case showed that the onset of PSAGN can be a risk factor for AS patients to develop ESKD at a young age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Araki
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, National Hospital Organization Hokkaido Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Azusa Kawaguchi
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, National Hospital Organization Hokkaido Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nana Sakakibara
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, National Hospital Organization Hokkaido Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Nagaoka
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, National Hospital Organization Hokkaido Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Yamamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Tomoko Horinouchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - China Nagano
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Naoya Morisada
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Iijima
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Kandai Nozu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan.
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20
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Cohen JF, Pauchard JY, Hjelm N, Cohen R, Chalumeau M. Efficacy and safety of rapid tests to guide antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 6:CD012431. [PMID: 32497279 PMCID: PMC7271976 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012431.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sore throat is a common condition caused by viruses or bacteria, and is a leading cause of antibiotic prescription in primary care. The most common bacterial species is group A streptococcus ('strep throat'). Between 50% to 70% of pharyngitis cases are treated with antibiotics, despite the majority of cases being viral in origin. One strategy to reduce antibiotics is to use rapid tests for group A streptococcus to guide antibiotic prescriptions. Rapid tests can be used alone or in combination with a clinical scoring system. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of strategies based on rapid tests to guide antibiotic prescriptions for sore throat in primary care settings. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and LILACS, as well as the trial registries ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP on 5 June 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rapid tests with management based on clinical grounds to guide the prescription of antibiotics for people with a sore throat in ambulatory care settings. We included trials that randomised individuals, as well as cluster-RCTs in which individual practitioners (or practices) or emergency departments were randomised. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data on the primary outcomes (number of participants provided with an antibiotic prescription; number of participants with an antibiotic dispensed) and secondary outcomes (duration of sore throat symptoms; duration of other symptoms; quality of life measures; number of participants with a complication attributed to the index infection; number of participants in need of re-consultation by the end of follow-up; number of participants in need of hospital admission by the end of follow-up; number of satisfied participants; number of participants with an adverse event attributed to the rapid test). We assessed the risk of bias of all included trials and used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. We performed meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses when feasible. MAIN RESULTS We included five trials (2891 children and adult participants in total; 2545 participants after adjusting for clustering). Management in the intervention group was as follows: in three trials rapid tests were used in combination with a clinical scoring system; in one trial, some physicians were asked to use rapid tests alone, while others were asked to use rapid tests in combination with a clinical scoring system; in one trial, rapid tests were used alone. Based on data from five trials (2545 participants), a large reduction in prescribed antibiotics was found in the rapid test group (481/1197) versus management based on clinical grounds (865/1348), for a summary risk difference (RD) of -25%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -31% to -18%; I2 = 62%; moderate-certainty evidence. Estimates of effect on antibiotic prescription rates were stable in various sensitivity analyses. Based on data from two trials (900 people) originating from the same overarching study, the evidence suggests that rapid tests may not reduce dispensed antibiotic treatments: rapid test group (156/445) versus management based on clinical grounds (197/455); summary RD -7%, 95% CI -17% to 2%; I2 = 53%; low-certainty evidence. Four trials (2075 participants) reported data on the number of participants with a complication attributed to the index infection; the summary odds ratio (OR) was 0.85, 95% CI 0.03 to 26.65; P = 0.93; I2 = 62%; very low-certainty evidence, which means that people in the rapid testing group were less likely to develop complications of the index infection, but the evidence is very uncertain. Two trials (1161 participants) reported on the number of participants in need of re-consultation by the end of follow-up; the summary OR was 1.12, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.21; P = 0.74; I2 = 59%; low-certainty evidence, which means that participants in the rapid testing group were more likely to be in need of re-consultation by the end of the study follow-up, but the evidence is uncertain. Lack of data impeded assessment of other secondary outcomes (including safety outcomes) and of sources of heterogeneity. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Rapid testing to guide antibiotic treatment for sore throat in primary care probably reduces antibiotic prescription rates by 25% (absolute risk difference), but may have little or no impact on antibiotic dispensing. More studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of rapid test-guided antibiotic prescribing, notably to evaluate patient-centred outcomes and variability across subgroups (e.g. adults versus children).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie F Cohen
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Yves Pauchard
- Département Médico-Chirurgical de Pédiatrie, Hôpital de l'Enfance de Lausanne, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nils Hjelm
- Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Centre de Recherche Épidémiologie et Statistique Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Inserm UMR1153, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Robert Cohen
- Association Clinique et Thérapeutique Infantile du Val-de-Marne (ACTIV), Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France
| | - Martin Chalumeau
- Department of General Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, CRESS, INSERM, Paris, France
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21
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Group A Streptococcus Testing in Pediatrics: the Move to Point-of-Care Molecular Testing. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01494-19. [PMID: 32161094 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01494-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Each year, there are an estimated 11 million visits to ambulatory care centers for pharyngitis in children between the ages of 3 and 18 years. While there are many causes of pediatric pharyngitis, group A streptococcal pharyngitis represents 15 to 30% of infections and is the only cause for which treatment is recommended. Unfortunately, clinical suspicion is insufficient for the accurate diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis, and laboratory testing for confirmation of Streptococcus pyogenes infection is required to prevent complications of infection. Traditionally, throat swabs are inoculated onto agar plates for isolation of the large-zone beta-hemolytic streptococcus. However, traditional culture methods present a potential delay in treatment due to turnaround times of 18 to 48 h. In order to improve turnaround times and enhance antimicrobial stewardship, multiple point-of-care assays have been developed. This review describes current point-of-care testing for group A streptococcal pharyngitis, including rapid antigen detection tests and more recent molecular methods. Additional attention is given to the diagnostic considerations when choosing a method for group A streptococcal point-of-care testing, implementation of molecular group A streptococcal testing, and the institutional cost of immunoassays compared to those of newer molecular methods.
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Bouzid D, Zanella MC, Kerneis S, Visseaux B, May L, Schrenzel J, Cattoir V. Rapid diagnostic tests for infectious diseases in the emergency department. Clin Microbiol Infect 2020; 27:182-191. [PMID: 32120036 PMCID: PMC7129254 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for infectious diseases, with a turnaround time of less than 2 hours, are promising tools that could improve patient care, antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention in the emergency department (ED) setting. Numerous RDTs have been developed, although not necessarily for the ED environment. Their successful implementation in the ED relies on their performance and impact on patient management. Objectives The aim of this narrative review was to provide an overview of currently available RDTs for infectious diseases in the ED. Sources PubMed was searched through August 2019 for available studies on RDTs for infectious diseases. Inclusion criteria included: commercial tests approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Conformité Européenne (CE) in vitro diagnostic devices with data on clinical samples, ability to run on fully automated systems and result delivery within 2 hours. Content A nonexhaustive list of representative commercially available FDA- or CE-approved assays was categorized by clinical syndrome: pharyngitis and upper respiratory tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, gastrointestinal infection, meningitis and encephalitis, fever in returning travellers and sexually transmitted infection, including HIV. The performance of tests was described on the basis of clinical validation studies. Further, their impact on clinical outcomes and anti-infective use was discussed with a focus on ED-based studies. Implications Clinicians should be familiar with the distinctive features of each RDT and individual performance characteristics for each target. Their integration into ED work flow should be preplanned considering local constraints of given settings. Additional clinical studies are needed to further evaluate their clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bouzid
- Emergency Department, AP-HP, Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, Paris, France; University of Paris, IAME, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - M-C Zanella
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Laboratory Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Kerneis
- University of Paris, IAME, INSERM, Paris, France; AP-HP, Antimicrobial Stewardship Team, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre-Cochin, Paris, France; Pharmacoepidémiology and Infectious Diseases (Phemi), Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
| | - B Visseaux
- University of Paris, IAME, INSERM, Paris, France; AP-HP, Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, Virology, Paris, France
| | - L May
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J Schrenzel
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Division of Laboratory Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; Genomic Research Laboratory, Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - V Cattoir
- Service de Bactériologie-Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France; CNR de `la Résistance aux Antibiotiques (laboratoire associé'Entérocoques), Rennes, France; Unité Inserm U1230, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
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Greer R, Althaus T, Ling C, Intralawan D, Nedsuwan S, Thaipadungpanit J, Wangrangsimakul T, Butler C, Day N, Lubell Y. Prevalence of Group A Streptococcus in Primary Care Patients and the Utility of C-Reactive Protein and Clinical Scores for Its Identification in Thailand. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:377-383. [PMID: 31889507 PMCID: PMC7008346 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharyngitis is usually caused by a viral infection for which antibiotics are often unnecessarily prescribed, adding to the burden of antimicrobial resistance. Identifying who needs antibiotics is challenging; microbiological confirmation and clinical scores are used but have limitations. In a cross-sectional study nested within a randomized controlled trial, we estimated the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of group A Streptococcus (GAS) in patients presenting to primary care with a sore throat and fever in northern Thailand. We then evaluated the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) and clinical scores (Centor and FeverPAIN) to identify the presence of GAS. One hundred sixty-nine patients were enrolled, of whom 35 (20.7%) had β-hemolytic Streptococci (BHS) isolated from throat swab culture, and 11 (6.5%) had GAS. All GAS isolates were sensitive to penicillin G. The median CRP of those without BHS isolation was 10 mg/L (interquartile range [IQR] ≤ 8-18), compared with 18 mg/L (IQR 9-71, P = 0.0302) for those with GAS and 14 mg/L (IQR ≤ 8-38, P = 0.0516) for those with any BHS isolated. However, there were no significant relationships between CRP > 8 mg/L (P = 0.112), Centor ≥ 3 (P = 0.212), and FeverPAIN ≥ 4 (P = 1.000), and the diagnosis of GAS compared with no BHS isolation. Identifying who requires antibiotics for pharyngitis remains challenging and necessitates further larger studies. C-reactive protein testing alone, although imperfect, can reduce prescribing compared with routine care. Targeted CRP testing through clinical scoring may be the most cost-effective approach to ruling out GAS infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Greer
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Althaus
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Ling
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Daranee Intralawan
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, Chiang Rai Regional Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Supalert Nedsuwan
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, Chiang Rai Regional Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Janjira Thaipadungpanit
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tri Wangrangsimakul
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Butler
- Clinical Trials Unit, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicolas Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Bowen AC, Daveson K, Anderson L, Tong SYC. An urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship in Indigenous rural and remote primary health care. Med J Aust 2019; 211:9-11.e1. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Asha C Bowen
- Perth Children's Hospital Perth WA
- Wesfarmers Centre for Vaccines and Infectious DiseasesTelethon Kids Institute Perth WA
| | - Kathryn Daveson
- Canberra Hospital Canberra ACT
- Queensland Statewide Antimicrobial Stewardship ProgramMetro North Hospital and Health Services Brisbane QLD
| | | | - Steven YC Tong
- Victorian Infectious Disease ServiceRoyal Melbourne Hospital, and Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC
- Menzies School of Health Research Darwin NT
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