Prevalence of Streptococcus pyogenes in Oropharynx Secretion of Health Area University Students

  • Elaine Sciunite Benites Mansano Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
  • Edivan Rodrigo de Paula Ramos Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Keywords: Streptococcus pyogenes, University Students, Prevalence.

Abstract

The culture of oropharynx secretions of university students enrolled in health related courses was carried out in order to determine the prevalence of Streptococcus pyogenes. Samples of oropharynx secretions of 114 students were collected and inoculated in culture media consisting of sheep blood agar 5%. Colonies with standard beta type hemolysis were tested for catalase, sensitivity to bacitracin and Pyr. The students also filled out a form to identify sociodemographic characteristics and history of pharyngitis. Six (5.2%) samples showed beta-hemolytic standard, but none was positive for catalase, Pyr and bacitracin sensitivity, indicating that the bacteria found are not S. pyogenes species. Sixty students reported having suffered at least one pharyngitis in the last 12 months and that all had some kind of medication, most often indicated by the pharmacist. From the 37 students who sought medical treatment, only 3 performed oropharyngeal cultures and 1, the antibody antistreptolysin O (ASLO). Although S. pyogenes has not been found in the pharyngeal flora of students, the results show that the treatment of pharyngitis is still done without the correct diagnosis and with the inappropriate use of antibiotics.

Author Biographies

Elaine Sciunite Benites Mansano, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Farmacêutica graduada pelo Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR. E-mail: elaineamgi@yahoo.com.br
Edivan Rodrigo de Paula Ramos, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Drofessor Mestre de Farmacologia e Bioquímica Clínica do Departamento de Farmácia e Biomedicina do Centro Universitário de Maringá
Published
2010-05-18
Section
Artigos Originais