Group A streptococcal antigen detection in school children

The objective of the study was to determine the correlation between group A streptococcal antigen detected from throat swabs with the culture results. A total of 1457 children had two swabs taken simultaneously, and culture and antigen detection were performed. There was a good correlation between antigen detection and isolation rates. In all, 225 strains of group A streptococcus were isolated; 53 [57.6%] were from the 92 children with high antigen positivity, 68 [55.7%] were from the 122 children with medium antigen positivity and 77 [25.4%] were from 303 children with low antigen positivity; only 27 [2.9%] were from the 940 children with no antigen detected. We postulate that those who are antigen-positive, culture-negative carry the organisms in their throats, but they may be missed on culture because of the small number carried

Report from the meeting on the management of childhood asthma in the Gulf region

A group of doctors interested in the management of childhood asthma met in Bahrain in May 1995. The purpose of this meeting was try to identify problems related to the management of asthma in the Arabian Gulf region and to consider possible solutions. The identified areas of concern were the current treatment regimens, healthcare delivery issues for asthmatics and traditional and cultural factors influencing management. Levels of education in general and specifically relating to asthma were considered to be the principle problem preventing the delivery of optimal asthma care. Consensus views are presented on education strategies, treatment protocols and healthcare factors