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Streptococcal pharyngitis in general practice. 1. Some unusual features of the epidemiology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

P. M. Higgins
P. M. Higgins
Affiliation:
Wallings, Heathfield Lane, Chistlehurst, Kent BR7 6AH
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Summary

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This report is based on a study of acute infections of the upper respiratory tract in 1965 and detailed records of such infections in 1963 and 1964. A change from illnesses mainly yielding viruses to illnesses mainly yielding group A streptococci was noted around the age of 5 years. A positive culture for group A streptococci in patients over 4 years of age was highly correlated with a complaint of sore throat and with serological evidence of streptococcal infection. A bimodal age distribution curve for pharyngitis associated with a positive culture for group A streptococci was consistently noted. The incidence was highest in children aged 5–9 but a second smaller peak occurred among adults in the 30–39 age group. The evidence suggests that being female increases the risk of acquiring group A streptococci and of experiencing sore throat.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 109 , Issue 2 , October 1992 , pp. 181 - 189
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

References

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