Frequency of Streptococcus Pyogenes in Sinnar 2023

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes is the common human pathogen causing widespread infection. Bacterial culture, serology and molecular assay were used for laboratory diagnosis of Streptococcus pyogenes. the ASO titer test is a blood test that checks for a streptococcal infection. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the frequency of Streptococcus pyogenes at Al karma specialty hospital in Sinnar state. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al karma specialty hospital within the period from November to December 2023 and covered 54 patients with Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. They were identified by ASO test. Data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS analyzer. Results: Total prevalence for ASO positive serum samples were 16 (29.2%), the lower limit of ASO in infected patients was 215.3 IU/mL while the upper limit was 1370.0?. the highest prevalence 35(64.8%) found in female. Conclusion: The study concluded that the frequency of Streptococcus pyogenes is considerable and should not be ignored, especially among female patients. Accordingly, they should be placed in the priority of prevention and management interventions to improve their overall outcome.

Introduction

This study investigates the frequency of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) infection among patients in Sinnar State, Sudan, using the Antistreptolysin O (ASO) antibody test.

Background

Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium responsible for a wide range of diseases, including:

• Superficial infections: pharyngitis, tonsillitis, cellulitis, erysipelas
• Toxin-mediated diseases: scarlet fever and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS)
• Immune-mediated diseases: acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD)
• Invasive infections: necrotizing fasciitis, bacteremia, and meningitis

The bacterium disproportionately affects people living in poverty and remains a significant global health concern. Although it remains susceptible to penicillin, increasing resistance to alternative antibiotics such as macrolides and clindamycin presents treatment challenges for patients allergic to penicillin. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognizes the need for an effective GAS vaccine.

Transmission and Diagnosis

• GAS spreads primarily through large respiratory droplets produced during coughing and sneezing.
• Diagnosis commonly involves blood agar culture to identify β-hemolytic colonies.
• ASO antibody testing is particularly useful for diagnosing recent or past streptococcal infections and complications such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.

Materials and Methods

• Study design: Analytical cross-sectional study.
• Location: Al Karma Specialty Hospital, Sinnar State, Sudan.
• Study period: November–December 2023.
• Participants: 54 patients with symptoms suggestive of Streptococcus pyogenes infection.
• Diagnostic method: Quantitative ASO testing using an immunofluorescence assay following CLSI guidelines.

Results

• Gender distribution:
  • Female: 35 (64.8%)
  • Male: 19 (35.2%)
• ASO test results:
  • Positive: 16 patients (29.2%)
  • Negative: 38 patients (70.8%)
• ASO antibody levels:
  • Range: 215.3–1370 IU/mL
  • Mean: 210.2 ± 207.3 IU/mL

Females showed a higher prevalence of ASO positivity than males.

Discussion

The study found an ASO positivity rate of 29.2%, which is comparable to reports from India and Iraq, higher than findings from Korea, but lower than those from Yemen. The average ASO antibody level was lower than values reported in Korea and Iraq. The findings are also consistent with previous Sudanese research showing a substantial burden of GAS infections, particularly among children.

Conclusion

The frequency of streptococcus pyogenes in sinnar 29.2% from all percipient patients in this study. ASO positivity was seen more in females compared to male. ASO test is simple, rapid and useful without depending upon other test. ASO test is accurate diagnosis of streptococcal infection.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Amira Eltom Fawzi Osman , Eitimad Yahya Ali Sabiel , Amira Hassan AbdAlrahman Arman, Ines Belaiba Aloulou, May A. M. Ashmaig. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.