Rapid antigen test versus bacteriological threat culture in diagnosis of group a, b-haemolytic streptococcal infection in patients with rheumatic fever

ABSTRACT

One hundred patients with the diagnosis of rheumatic fever were studied. 60% of cases had positive culture of throat swabs for "A" streptococci. On comparison between rapid antigen test and cultures of throat swabs the sensitivity 96.67%, specificity 100% because of the simplicity, rapidity and high sensitivity of rapid antigen test in diagnosis of group "A" beta hemolytic streptococci rapid antigen test should be used for diagnostic work in cases of streptococcal infection