Pharyngeal Carriage of Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci and the Effect of Laboratory Exposure in Medical Technology Students

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

2-1985

Publisher

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science

Source Publication

Journal of Medical Technology

Source ISSN

0741-5397

Abstract

The pharyngeal carrier rate of beta-hemolytic streptococci in healthy medical technology students was evaluated over a six-year period. Out of a total of 958 throat cultures, 137 (14.3%) yielded beta-hemolytic streptococci, with Group C the most frequent isolate. None of the following variables had a significant effect on the carrier rate;: sex, age, antibiotic use, place of residence, frequency of sore throats, or smoking. The effect of exposure to bacteria in the laboratory and hospital environment on the pharyngeal carrier rate of beta-hemolytic streptococci was evaluated for 166 students. No significant increase in carrier rates was observed with increased exposure to bacteria, as these students progressed from their freshman to senior year. The carrier rate varied from 9.6-14.4%.

Comments

Journal of Medical Technology, Vol. 2, No. 2 (February 1985): 106-110. Publisher link.

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