Document Type : Original research
Authors
1 Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Tikrit, Tikrit, IRAQ.
2 Ph.D. Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Tikrit, Tikrit, IRAQ
Abstract
Background: Sore throat is a commonly observed condition in pediatric clinics and emergency departments, with viral infections being the most frequent cause. This study aimed to assess the impact of serum levels of ASO (anti-streptolysin O) and ADNB (anti-DNase B) in patients with sore throat infected with streptococcus pyogenes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 15, 2022, and March 15, 2023. A total of 317 sore throat patients aged 5 to 17 years were recruited from Samarra General Hospital, Salahuddin General Hospital, private clinics, and ear healthcare centers. The control group comprised 80 healthy individuals matched with the study participants. Throat swabs were collected and inoculated on blood agar and MacConkey media for microbial examination. Blood samples were also collected from patients and controls to determine ASO and ADNB levels using ELISA-based assays.
Result: The study's results indicate that 30.28% of the children were infected with streptococcus pyogenes, with varying percentages of other bacterial infections observed. A significant association was found between pyogenes infection and urban residence. Additionally, elevated levels of ADNB (171.4±33.5 pg/ml) and ASO (390.5±108.1 IU/ml) were detected in S. pyogenes infected children compared to the control group (p-value = 0.0001). The lower limit of ASO in infected children was 209.4 IU/ml, while the upper limit in the control group was 172.1 IU/ml.
Conclusions: The study highlights significant alterations in immune markers ASO and ADNB levels among children infected with streptococcus pyogenes, implicating their potential role in the pathogenesis of the infection.
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