BETA HEMOLYTIC GROUP A STREPTOCOCCAL DRUG RESISTANT TO PENICILLIN AMONG ASYMPTOMATIC CARRIERS

: Background: Streptococci group A is most frequently isolated pathogen in the cases of acute pharyngitis and pharyngotonsilitis in school-aged children. It’s Dangerous complication such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis increase the necessity of diagnosis and timely treatment. The aim of this study was, determination of the frequency of streptococci carriers in group A in junior secondary school in Kerman. Methods and Materials: In this cross-sectional study conducted by random sampling, a total of 200 students aged 11 to 15 were included in the study. These students must have no symptom or sign of upper respiratory tract infection and not used any antibiotics in the previous two weeks. Results: The prevalence of beta hemolytic streptococci group A carriers in all age groups was 28.5%. After doing antibiogram test, it was revealed that all of them were sensitive to Vancomycin, Erythromycin and Cephalotin and reversely, resistance to penicillin. Conclusions: Our data suggest that incorrect use of these antibiotics increases the chronic carrier state of group A Streptococcal pharyngitis in our community.