Studies Open for Enrollment

A Follow-up Study of Children with Acute Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Strep throat is an infection caused by Group A streptococcus (GAS). Some children who are treated for strep throat still have a throat culture that is positive for GAS after treatment with antibiotic. This study will be divided into two parts with some participants selected to continue with observation of their throat culture results for an extended period of time.

Candidates
Children determined to have strep throat upon examination during their office visit will be asked to enroll. In Part I, 430 children will be enrolled and followed over three months, with an equal number of boys and girls in the study. In Part II, 130 children will be enrolled and followed for a total of one year following their infection with strep throat.
Boys: 5–15 years
Girls: 5–15 years

Requirements
Participants in Part I of the study will be asked questions regarding the child’s symptoms while in the office. Over the next 10 days, the parent/guardian will keep a record of symptoms, relief, pain medications and antibiotics. At each additional visit a throat culture will be taken along with a teaspoon of saliva. Those children asked to continue with Part II of the study will be asked for a throat culture every two weeks along with the saliva sample. These will be performed at the local physician’s office or at a mutually agreeable site.
Visits: Part I: 7     Part II: 26 total
Duration: Part I: 3 months    Part II: 12 months

Status: Open for Enrollment

How to Participate
To get started, please contact:
Cheryl Rosenberg, LPN, CCRC
412-692-7351

Additional Resources
Children’s Community Pediatrics

Principal Investigator
Judith Martin, MD
Infectious Diseases

Source of Support
American Heart Association