Role of rapid antigen detection test [RADT] and throat culture in the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis

To observe the sensitivity and specificity of the rapid antigen detection test and throat culture in the diagnosis of pharyngo tonsillitis. An Experimental study. This study was conducted in microbiology department, basic medical sciences institute, Jinnah post graduate medical centre, National institute of child health, and civil hospital Karachi, from May 2003- April 2004. A total of 300 children attending OPD's and admitted [250 suspected and 50 Normal as control cases] of age group 5-15 years were included in this study and this age group was again divided into three sub groups I.e: first group from 5-8 years, second groups was from 9-12 years, and the third group was from 13- 15 years. Rapid antigen test carried out was based on immuno- chromato graphic membrane assay procedure, a total of 24 positive antigen detection test from suspected 250 cases and 5 from 50 control cases were isolated and these isolated [RADT positive] cases were again confirmed by throat culture. The Bacitracin sensitivity and catalase tests were also performed. The Rapid antigen detection test [RADT] is a rapid way of diagnosing the group A, Beta hemolytic streptococci, result can be obtained within 5-10 minutes so the treatment may be started accordingly, while the throat culture is still considered as the Gold standard for the diagnosis of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis. The positive as well as negative RADT cases were confirmed by the culture