Streptococcal infections are very common, especially in individuals under the age of 16, but they can also affect adults. They represent the most frequent bacterial cause of pharyngitis, which leads to the well-known discomfort commonly referred to as a “sore throat.”

It is important to promptly identify and treat a Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) infection, because in addition to being highly contagious, if not adequately treated it can lead to complications.

Typical symptoms include throat redness and acute discomfort lasting generally more than 7 days, hoarseness, “strawberry tongue” (particularly in children), and white-yellowish patches, often associated with fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain. Increased salivation (sometimes with traces of blood) and skin rashes may also occur.

If left untreated, a Group A streptococcal infection may progress to serious conditions such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis.

In children, streptococcal infections can also cause characteristic skin manifestations such as:

• Impetigo – typically seen in children under 10 years old, most common during the summer months, presenting with vesicles and blisters especially on the face, neck, hands, arms, and legs; these subsequently rupture and form honey-colored crusts.
• Scarlet fever – a childhood illness often associated with fever, characterized by numerous small, red papules most visible on the chest and abdomen but which can spread across the body, usually lasting 2–5 days.

The diagnostic test for detecting the presence of Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus is performed using a throat swab, analyzed with a special reagent to detect bacterial antigens. Results are available within 15 minutes. However, this test is not recommended in cases of cough and runny nose, which usually indicate a viral infection (unless bacterial superinfection is suspected).

It is important to note that antibiotic therapy may affect the test result; therefore, patients should inform the operator if they are currently taking antibiotics. This test, often underestimated, is in fact very important as it enables the physician to establish the most appropriate treatment for the patient. Moreover, it helps avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, which is essential not only to prevent unwanted side effects but also to combat the growing global health problem of antibiotic resistance.

The test costs €15 for the standard throat swab and €20 for the COI-index swab. The COI test provides additional information on the bacterial load in positive cases.

To book a test, please click the button below.