Appropriateness of Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Testing in an Ambulatory Pediatric Setting

Abstract: Acute pharyngotonsillitis is a common infection in children and one of the leading reasons for antibiotics prescription in children. Molecular point of care testing (MPOC) testing for Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcal (GABHS) pharyngitis has been very helpful in timely diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis and ultimately its treatment, for delay or lack of treatment could lead to complication of the disease. The purpose of this retrospective study in which we reviewed the charts of children and adolescents who had MPOC tests for GABHS in 2023 was to determine the appropriateness of MPOC testing for GABHS in children and adolescents. Our results showed that children younger than 3 years of age were less likely to have streptococcal pharyngitis compared to older children and adolescent. Hence, testing children younger than 3 years old is not recommended, except that is history of exposure to someone with streptococcal pharyngitis. Also, children and adolescents with viral features, such as cough, congestion, runny nose, eye discharge or viral exanthem, should not be tested for GABHS because they are more likely to have negative test results. It is imperative to have appropriate GABHS testing to improve antibiotic stewardship and reduce unnecessary health care cost. Keywords: Molecular Point of Care (MPOC) test, Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS), antibiotics, acute pharyngotonsillitis. Title: Appropriateness of Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Testing in an Ambulatory Pediatric Setting Author: Majek Olaleye, Esther Nishimwe International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 330-333 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 08-December-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17852831 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/appropriateness-of-group-a-beta-hemolytic-streptococcal-testing-in-an-ambulatory-pediatric-setting