Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Group A streptococcal pharyngitis is one of the most common, but also controversial infections clinicians are faced with every day. Clinical diagnosis is often not specific; laboratory data can be misleading and are frequently misinterpreted. Despite the in vitro effectiveness of penicillin, it does not always eradicate the organism from the upper respiratory tract. Numerous newly introduced antibiotics are expensive or not even available in many countries. In this book, internationally acknowledged experts deal in detail with the complexity of streptococcal pharyngitis and the remaining controversies. It offers an overview of the virulence factors of Streptococcus pyogenes, the pathogenesis of pediatric and adult streptococcal pharyngitis, and the epidemiology of streptococcal pharyngitis in high and low income countries. In addition, the most current concepts of clinical and laboratory diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis and its possible suppurative and non-suppurative complications are presented. Further points under discussion are the efficacy of different antibiotic treatments and the cost issues in diagnosis and therapy. Finally, the impact of streptococcal pharyngitis on public health worldwide as well as possible vaccine control strategies are reviewed. This concise publication is a valuable reference for primary care physicians, pediatricians, otolaryngologists, public health authorities, and students in the health care professions.