Bacteriology of sore throat infections in Kano, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted over a 1-year period [1st August, 2002-31st July, 2003] during which throat swabs were taken aseptically from 294 patients [aged between 0-70 years] diagnosed for sore throat infection [from the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital]. The different bacterial pathogens associated with sore throat infection, their seasonal variation, and possible association with gender and age, were determined. Also their susceptibility was determined towards antibiotics. Confirmation of bacterial sore throat infection was carried out in 115 [39.12%] patients of the 294 patients examined. Five different types of bacterial pathogens were isolated from the throats of the subjects viz. Streptococcus pneumoniae, 51 [44.35%], Streptococcus pyogenes, 21 [18.26%] Staphylococcus aureus 3 [26.95%], Klebsiella pneumoniae 8 [6.96%] and Eschericfiia coli 4 [3.48%]. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated organism. The months of October and November had the highest number of cases. The results also showed a significant difference in infection rate between two sexes, with females having 74 [64.35%] and males 41 [35.65%] at p >/= 0.05. Infection was also most prevalent among age group 21-30 years [35.65%] in both hospitals. The infection rate decreased with increasing age. Results of Antibiotic sensitivity test indicate that Augmentin has the widest spectrum of activity against bacterial etiological agents of sore throat in Kano, followed by Erythromycin, Gentamycin and Chloramphenicol