Study Characteristics of Streptococcus pyogenes Isolation From Pharyngitis in children

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in children. Although distinguishing between viral and bacterial pharyngitis solely on the basis of signs and symptoms can be difficult, culture-based diagnosis and study characteristics are crucial to avert potentially fatal outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to ascertain the occurrence of S. pyogenes using a culture approach that followed a biochemical test and a PCR experiment that targeted the 16S rRNA, sepl, and spek genes. By logging and evaluating the results, the PCR assay's sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were established in relation to the culture method. Methods: Between 2022 and 2023, a total of 170 throat swabs were taken from pharyngitis patients who were referred to Fallujah General Teaching Hospital and AL Hussein Teaching Hospital for children in Iraq ages 2 to 10.The identification of S. pyogenes using biochemical testing, 16S rRNA, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multiplex PCR) for the detection of virulence factor genes (SpeL and SpeK genes). Results: This study included a total of 170 children with acute pharyngitis. Of these, 75 (44.11%) were culture optimistic for S. pyogenes, a biochemical test and 16SrRNA based on the Multiplex PCR examination presented, sepl 9 (12%)and spek 6 (8%) genes were noticed in 10.51% and 8.55%, respectively, of the isolates. Conclusion: The study aimed to identify risk factors for S. pyogenes infection among children in a large clinical trial in Iraq.