Controversies in the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis.

Abstract

An increasing number of cases of sore throat caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci occur with concomitant colonization by organisms that may "protect" the streptococci through beta-lactamase inactivation of penicillin at the site of infection. The failure of penicillin to eradicate many of these bacteria, which include Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis and a multitude of pharyngeal anaerobes, may help to explain why penicillin is sometimes ineffective for acute and recurrent group A streptococcal infections. Therapeutic alternatives currently include cephalosporins, erythromycin, rifampin combined with penicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium and others.

• Authors: M E Pichichero
• Journal: American family physician (Am Fam Physician) Vol. 42 Issue 6 Pg. 1567-76 (Dec 1990) ISSN: 0002-838X [Print] United States
• PMID: 2244548 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Penicillins

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Penicillins (therapeutic use)
• Pharyngitis (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Recurrence
• Streptococcal Infections (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Time Factors