European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

STREPTOCOCCUS PHARYNGITIS IN SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ORAUKWU, SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA: A RISK FACTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RHEUMATIC FEVER.

Ochiabuto O. M. T. B.*, Ogbachalu O. M., Obi C. M., Ekekwe E. N. and Uneze B. C.

ABSTRACT

Adult Endocarditic and Heart related diseases are preventable by early screening. A prevalence study on Streptococcus pharyngitis in school children and adolescent as a risk factor for the development of acute rheumatic fever was carried out in Oraukwu town in Nigeria. A total of 87 Students of both sexes aged between 5-25 years were recruited. Anti-streptolysin O and C-reactive protein screening were carried out using Slide- agglutination and Immunochromatographic techniques. Throat swab culture and biochemical tests were carried out using Standard cultural methods. Hematological indices – ESR, White cell and Differential counts were done using Manual counting and Westergreen methods. Blood pressure was measured using mercury Sphingomanometre method. Susceptibility testing was done using Standard disc - diffusion method. Out of the 87 (100%) students studied, 36(41.4%) were sero positive for ASO consisting of 20(22.98%) males and 16(18.39%) female, at a ratio of 1. 23: 1. No significant difference existed between positive and negative cases (p>0.05). Sex was not a risk factor for infection. (p>0,05). S. pyogenes was more frequently isolated from throat culture 7(8.1%) than enteric organisms- E. coli 1(1.1%) and Klebsiella 1(1.1%). Statistical difference existed between total number of positive isolates n=9 and negative cases n=78, (p<0.05). 12(13.8%) subjects were positive for C-reactive protein irrespective of positive ASO screening with a male 6(68%) to female 6(68%) ratio of 1:1. Significant difference existed in positive cases compared to negative cases.(p<0.05). Positive ASO and C-reactive protein cases were more prevalent in the age bracket 10-14. Socio -demographic variables showed that sharing of cups was the main source of infection among the children with history of sore throat, with fever the most presenting symptom. Hematological parameters were unaffected. S. pyogenes isolates were more susceptible to Levofloxacin (100%) and resistant to Norbactin.(100%). Improved drinking water habits in Children can reduce the infection rate in the town.

Keywords: Streptococcus, Pharyngitis, Children, Adolescents, Oraukwu, Rhumatic fever.