Treatment of Beta Hemolytic Streptococcic Infections in the Home

The results of a five year study of various plans of treatment used to control beta hemolytic streptococcic infections in a large group of children seen in private practice are reported in this paper. These illnesses are important because they are commonplace and potentially serious if not properly treated. Since the convincing studies of Wannamaker and his associates¹showing that adequate treatment of primary streptococcic infections will, in most cases, prevent the occurrence of rheumatic fever, an evaluation of treatment methods is of importance not only from the standpoint of the acute infection itself but also from that of preventing rheumatic fever. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the five year period from Aug. 1, 1947, to Aug. 1, 1952, 792 children between the ages of 2 months and 18 years with 1,204 proved streptococcic infections were observed. All were private patients treated by me and my associate, Dr. F. A.