Recurrence rate of streptococcal pharyngitis related to hygienic measures.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that treatment failures of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis may be caused by reinfection by the patients' own streptococci remaining on a toothbrush or in the bedclothes.

DESIGN

To elucidate the role of streptococcal contamination of the environment, hygienic measures regarding change of toothbrush and bed linen and washing of toys were given to half of the patients/families. Throat specimens were taken from all the patients before treatment with phenoxymethylpenicillin for 5 days, and the patients were followed-up for 1 month. At a home visit after 6-10 days, throat specimens were taken from the patients and all permanent residents of the home. Environmental samples were taken from pillowcases, floors, toothbrushes, dummies, and toys.

SETTING

Six health care centres.

SUBJECTS: 114 patients of all ages suffering from group A streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis, and 289 family members.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

54 patients/families received hygiene instructions. The total number of recurrences was 40 (35%). There was no difference in treatment failure rate between patients/families that had taken or not taken hygienic measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Hygienic measures have no decisive influence on the risk of recurrence of streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis.