Streptococcus pyogenes group A test - Scarlet fever

General information:

Immunochromatographic test for detection of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A, beta haemolytic streptococcus) antigen in nasopharyngeal secretions. A quick and convenient test within 30 minutes provides information on the presence of the pathogen and supports diagnosis along with cultural method and clinical examination. Convenient for infections in collectives and family members who are in contact with scarlet fever. The test is influenced and gives a false negative result if the patient has taken medication (antibiotics, antiseptics), after oral hygiene and food intake.

Streptococcus pyogenes is one of the highly virulent representatives of the streptococci that often colonize the upper respiratory tract. They have a complex cell wall with a specific antigenic structure. Bacterial virulence factors include cell wall antigens, which are represented by capsular polysaccharide, peptidoglycan and lipoteichoic acid, various surface proteins, fibronectin-binding proteins and streptokinase.

Bacteria also produce a number of extracellular products and toxins, such as: hemolysins, pyrogenic exotoxins, nucleases, other products (leukotoxic agents, hyaluronidase, streptokinase, streptodomase, amylase, esterase).
Their characteristic feature is their ability for epithelial cell invasion.
The mechanism of transmission of the infection is air-droplet and contact-household through contaminated objects, toys, handkerchiefs, when the integrity of the skin is damaged.
They are associated with a wide range of purulent diseases, including: streptococcal pharyngitis, tonsillitis (angina)
Impetigo: risk factors that predispose to this infection are low socio-economic status, poor general hygiene, skin injury. Bacterial toxins cause proteolysis of the epidermal and subepidermal layers, which allows the bacteria to spread rapidly and lead to the development of blisters and purulent wounds.
Pneumonia: invasive agents rapidly invade the lower respiratory tract and lead to the development of rapidly progressive necrotizing pneumonia.
Necrotizing fasciitis: caused by bacterial invasion of subcutaneous tissue, with subsequent spread of infection.
Cellulitis, bacteremia, septicemia, osteomyelitis, otitis media, sinusitis: are common purulent complications of streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis, as a result of the spread of infection through the Eustachian tube or by direct invasion of the sinuses.
Scarlet fever, erysipelas, streptococcal meningitis, non-suppurative diseases associated with group A streptococci as a cause of diseases classified elsewhere are rheumatic heart disease and acute glomerulonephritis.
They are associated with immunological processes and the development of rapid type hypersensitivity. Within one to four weeks of acute purulent streptococcal infection, acute glomerulonephritis and acute rheumatism develop with involvement of the heart and joints.

A severe form of complicated streptococcal infection is toxic shock syndrome.

Sample required:

Nasal swab

Key words:

Streptococcus pyogenes group A