The relationship between group A streptococcus test positivity and clinical findings in tonsillopharyngitis in children: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ayşe Eroğlu, Özge Karakaya Suzan, Tuğçe Kolukısa, Özge Kaya, Mehtap Metin Karaaslan, Yeliz Tanrıverdi Çaycı, Mustafa Altındiş, Murat Bektaş, Nursan Çınar
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to present an evidence-based conclusion through a systematic meta-analysis to distinguish clinical signs and symptoms associated with the presence of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, as confirmed by throat culture or rapid test, from those in cases without culture confirmation.
Methods: The study protocol has been published in PROSPERO (CRD42023450854). Studies published between January 1, 2013 and August 15, 2023 were scanned in seven databases. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using The Joanna Briggs Institution (JBI) Cross-Sectional Studies and Cohort Studies checklist. Effect size calculations were made using fixed effects and random effects models.
Results: A total of 22 articles were included in the systematic review, with 14 included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of streptococcal pharyngitis in these studies ranged from 7.3 to 44.1%. According to the meta-analysis results, a significant association was observed between GAS test positivity and the presence of tonsillar exudate, palatal petechiae, tonsillar hypertrophy, dysphagia, fever, and cervical lymphadenopathy (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between GAS test positivity and symptoms such as headache, sore throat, cough, absence of cough, hoarseness, scarlatiniform rash, tonsillar erythema, vomiting, rhinorrhea, and abdominal pain (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of the meta-analysis suggest that, in addition to the Centor criteria, palatal petechiae, dysphagia, and tonsillar hypertrophy are noteworthy indicators of GAS infection. Contrary to previous studies, our meta-analysis indicates that symptoms such as headache, sore throat, cough, absence of cough, hoarseness, scarlatiniform rash, tonsillar erythema, vomiting, rhinorrhea, and abdominal pain may not be associated with streptococcal infection. Further research is needed to elucidate these findings.
期刊介绍:
Infection is a journal dedicated to serving as a global forum for the presentation and discussion of clinically relevant information on infectious diseases. Its primary goal is to engage readers and contributors from various regions around the world in the exchange of knowledge about the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases, both in outpatient and inpatient settings.
The journal covers a wide range of topics, including:
Etiology: The study of the causes of infectious diseases.
Pathogenesis: The process by which an infectious agent causes disease.
Diagnosis: The methods and techniques used to identify infectious diseases.
Treatment: The medical interventions and strategies employed to treat infectious diseases.
Public Health: Issues of local, regional, or international significance related to infectious diseases, including prevention, control, and management strategies.
Hospital Epidemiology: The study of the spread of infectious diseases within healthcare settings and the measures to prevent nosocomial infections.
In addition to these, Infection also includes a specialized "Images" section, which focuses on high-quality visual content, such as images, photographs, and microscopic slides, accompanied by brief abstracts. This section is designed to highlight the clinical and diagnostic value of visual aids in the field of infectious diseases, as many conditions present with characteristic clinical signs that can be diagnosed through inspection, and imaging and microscopy are crucial for accurate diagnosis. The journal's comprehensive approach ensures that it remains a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and researchers in the field of infectious diseases.