Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
Abstract
Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common conditions seen in pediatric outpatient area. It is difficult to make diagnosis of Group A streptococcal pharyngitis GAS) only on basis of clinical findings. In place of Throat swab culture because of poor availability, delay for result, rapid antigen detection test (RADT) has shown promising results overcoming practical issues with throat culture. The McIsaac clinical scoring has been recommended as reliable clinical tool for diagnosis for GAS pharyngitis. In resource limited setting, we evaluated agreement between Clinical McIsaac score and RADT for diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis. Fifty children of 3‐15 years age presented with features of bacterial pharyngitis and tested positive for RADT were enrolled for study. Then McIsaac clinical score was calculated for these children. Out of 50 children with positive RADT 40(80%) had McIsaac clinical score of >3 and 10 (20%) had clinical score of <3. At places where culture facilities are not available and nonaffordable, point of care test like RADT shall be used for diagnosis of GSA pharyngitis. Clinical McIsaac scores are also useful although comparatively less reliable. Efforts to make diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis in more objective way helps in accurate diagnosis with treatment and hence antibiotic stewardship.
How to cite this article:
Nilesh Shewale. Use of McIsaac Scoring and Rapid Streptococcal Antigen Detection Test for Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.36478/makrjms.2024.12.97.100
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.36478/makrjms.2024.12.97.100