Group A Streptococcus Testing
Group A Streptococcus Testing: Accurate Detection for Early Intervention
The signs and symptoms of GAS pharyngitis overlap extensively with other infectious causes, making it difficult to diagnose based solely on clinical findings. Accurate diagnosis of Group A Strep is important as it can help prevent unnecessary antibiotic treatment, which can lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance, especially in young children.
Group A Streptococcus Testing: Accurate Detection for Early Intervention
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a bacteria responsible for a variety of infections, ranging from mild illnesses like strep throat to more severe conditions such as rheumatic fever. Early Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is critical for ensuring timely treatment and preventing the spread of infection, particularly in healthcare and community settings.
Up to 70% of patients receive antibiotic therapy, while only 20%-30% have Group A Strep pharyngitis.1
Pharyngitis affects 20%-30% of children and 5%-15% of adults, with an average economic impact of $381M per year. 2
Group A Strep, if left untreated, can cause invasive disease, which can have a 25% – 30% mortality rate.3
Molecular Testing Solutions for Group A Strep
Meridian Offers Multiple Platforms to Best Fit Your Needs.
Meridian Bioscience’s molecular diagnostic solutions offer the direct detection of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus; GAS) from throat swab specimens obtained from patients with signs and symptoms of pharyngitis.
Education Resources About Group A Strep Testing
As dedicated partners in enhancing patient care, we take pride in our diverse diagnostic portfolio and go further by offering educational content and tools, leveraging our expertise to boost testing utilization and support our partners comprehensively.
Alethia Group A StrepProduct Brochure
Revogene Group A StrepProduct Brochure
Respiratory FamilyProduct Brochure
Frequently Asked Questions About Group A Streptococcus Testing
What is Group A Strep or Strep Throat?
Strepococcus pyogenese, also known as Group A Strep is the primary cause of acute pharyngitis (Strep Throat) in children and adults. It is characterized by symptoms like sore throat, fever, tonsil inflammation, headache.2
Why it is important to test for Group A Strep?
Infections with Group A Strep can lead to complications like acute rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. It can also lead to invasive infections that can have a mortality rate of 25%-30%.4
Why is antibiotic stewardship important?
Studies show that of the 70% of the patients that receive antibiotics only 20%-30% actually need it. Over prescription of antibiotic is of concern especially in young children, since over use of antibiotics can increase the potential for resistance.1
References:
- Shulman et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: 2012 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 55, Issue 10, 15 November 2012, Pages e86–e102
- https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/?CDC_AAref_Val
- Kanwal S, Vaitla P. Streptococcus Pyogenes. [Updated 2023 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.