Abstract
An evaluation of the Directigen Group A Strep Test (DGAST) in comparison witht the traditional culture technique, was carried out on 1907 throat specimens, obtained from pediatric patients suspected of having a group A β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis.
Of the 344 specimens positive by culture, 277 were DGAST positive (sensitivity, 81%). Of the 1563 specimens negative by culture, 1511 were DGAST negative (specificity, 97%).
Nineteen isolates of non-group A 3-hemolytic streptococci were recovered, primarily group G, B and G.
The DGAST is easy to perform, rapid and very specific, but a lower sensitivity indicates that a back up traditional culture is still necessary, especially in pediatric patients.
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Jonckheer, T., Goossens, H., de Donder, M. et al. Evaluation of the direct detection of group a β-hemolytic streptococcal antigen in a pediatric population: Comparison with the traditional culture technique. Eur J Epidemiol 2, 205–207 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00211533
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00211533