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Group A streptococcal (GAS) carriage occurs in approximately 10-20% of the paediatric population, specifically among children between five and fifteen years old. Group A Streptococcal is the ninth major infectious cause of deaths in globally causing, relatively mild illnesses, such as "strep throat" or impetigo (a skin infection) several invasive illnesses associated with significant morbidity and mortality in children and young adults worldwide, it includes including meningitis, septicaemia and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, Necrotizing Fasciitis,. People may also carry group A strep in the throat or on the skin and have no symptoms of illness. (Group A Streptococcus, GAS)
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, and risk factors of Group A Sstreptococcal pharyngeal carriage among children living at orphanage centre in Moshi town northern zone Tanzania
METHODOLOGY
This was a cross-sectional study on children between 1year up to 18years living in the centers in from June to July 2016. Structured questionnaire with closed ended questions was used to collect the information from study participants. The information extracted was mainly on the associated risk factors on GAS carriage. Rapid Antigen Detection Tests (RDAT) were used to test for Group A Beta Haemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS)
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of GAS carriage was estimated 21.4%. Higher prevalence was found in >13 years of age (37.5%), the prevalence declined with decreases in age. The prevalence was higher in boys as compared to girls
CONCLUSION:
The overall prevalence of GAS carriage was estimated 21.4%. There are several risk factors that have been identified (passive smoking, HIV infection, not vaccinated, being male and being in xcul), there is a need to do an in-depth study for each risk factor and also further epidemiological studies on these aspects are needed to support the findings of our study. This study highlights the regular screening and the importance of regular surveillance to keep the GAS in check and to control the development of non-supportive sequelae, by treating children with antibiotics
KEY WORDS: GAS carriage, Associated risk factors |
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