Group A streptococcal pharyngitis in adults 30 to 65 years of age

Background. Although the frequency of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in adults is assumed to be low, there is little information on frequency other than in military populations. Methods. A prospective, observational study was done to determine the frequ ency of group A streptococcal pharyngitis in adults seen in the emergency d epartment. Throat swabs were obtained on adults (30 to 65 years of age) wit h sore throat and pharyngitis on examination. Swabs were also obtained in a group of control subjects. Results. Of the 148 adults with pharyngitis, 65 (44%) had throat specimens positive for group A streptococci. In the 50 control subjects, all throat c ultures were negative for group A streptococci. A significant number of pat ients with group A streptococcal pharyngitis had school-aged children at ho me. Conclusion. The high rate of detection of group A streptococci in adults ou tside the military has not been previously reported.