Prevalence of beta hemolytic streptococci carrier rate among schoolchildren in Salem.

A preliminary study was conducted to identify the carriers of beta hemolytic streptococci (BHS) among school children. BHS were identified, grouped by latex agglutination test and tested for susceptibility to penicillin, erythromycin and cefazolin from their throat swabs. Prevalence of BHS was found to be 21.6% with group G (43.2%) as the predominant group followed by group A (28.8%). All the isolates were sensitive to the antibiotics tested. Health cards were issued to the carriers of group A beta hemolytic streptococci.