Isolation and identification of streptococci from sore throat in Khartoum E.N.T. teaching hospital

Abstract EN

Objectives:This study aimed to isolate and identify Streptococcus pyogenesand to determineits prevalence in patients whoattended Khartoum Ear Nose Throat TeachingHospital suffering from sore throat, (Tonsillitis – Pharyngitis- Laryngitis).

Methods:One hundred and fifty three throat swabs were collected from the patients regardless of their age.

All swabs were cultured on 5% blood agar plates for overnight.

Colonial morphology and type of haemolysis were observed upon diagnosis but they were not used as stringent criteria for diagnosis.

All isolates were subjected to further examination includingGram’s stain and biochemical reactions (Catalase, bacitracin sensitivity, CAMP reaction, aesculin hydrolysis, arginine hydrolysis, and hippurate hydrolysis Optochin sensitivity, growth on 10% and 40% bile and Bile solubility).

These tests were done for (Gram positive catalase negative organisms),in addition to Lancefield grouping andsensitivity to antibiotics.

Results:The results showed that not only Streptococcus pyogenes was incriminated in this type of infection, as group F was also isolated.

ConclusionsWe concluded that,in addition to S.

pyogenesother groups can also cause sore throat and further examination should be made when Group A Streptococci(GAS) is not detected in patients suffering from sore throatso as to reduce the use of incorrect antibiotics and recurrent infections.