Carrier Rate in Normal Korea School Children in 1996

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The accuracy of bacteriologic diagnosis of beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngoton sillitis depends on the degree of carrier rate in that area. It is the purpose of this study to obtain the carrier rate from seven different areas and to find results and epidemiologic factors. METHODS: Throat swab was obtained from the tonsillar fossa of normal school children during March through May 1996. It was then plated on a 5% sheep blood agar plate and incubated overnight at 37 degrees C before examination for the presence of beta-hemolytic colonies. RESULTS: The carrier rate of beta-hemolytic streptococci and group A streptococci were 27.6%, 20.0% at Uljin; 16.3%, 6.3% at Checheon; 16.4%, 2.7% at Seoul; 12.8%, 3.4% at Masan; 33.0%, 26.0% at Osan; 20.0%, 12.3% at Kunsan; and 17.7%, 11.4% at Chongju, respectively. Among 2,159 normal school children from 7 different areas, we obtained 450 plates of beta-hemolytic streptococci. Osan had the highest carrier rate (33.3%) and Masan had the lowest rate (12.8%) of beta-hemolytic streptococci. Among 450 plates of beta-hemolytic streptococci, we obtained 265 strains of group A streptococci. Osan had the highest carrier rate (26.0%) and the Seoul had the lowest rate (2.7%) of group A streptococci. CONCLUSION: Higher carrier rates were found in Uljin and Osan, where there is a lower population density. We supposed that low carrier rates might be related to antibiotic abuse or some epidemiologic factor should be investigated.