Strep A

· Beta-hemolytic Group A Streptococcus is a major cause of upper respiratory infection such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis and scarlet fever. Early diagnosis and treatment of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms and further complications, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.

· Conventional methods used for the detection of the disease depend on the isolation and subsequent identification of the organism. These methods often require 24 - 48 hours to complete. Recent development of immunological techniques which can detect Group A Streptococcal antigen directly from throat swabs allow physicians to diagnose and administer therapy immediately.