The Viability of Streptococci under Field Screening Conditions

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Abstract
Duplicate swabs from the throats of patients were studied by means of prompt and delayed streaking on sheep blood agar plates. Analysis of the positive cultures for beta hemolytic streptococci failed to reveal any difference in percentage of positive isolations when streaking was delayed by 24 to 120 hr., as opposed to prompt streaking -3 hr. or less. These findings are not inconsistent with basic concepts of the viability of Streptococcus pyogenes. The findings offer the exciting possibility that a wide-scale streptococcal screening program is both feasible and practical, irrespective of the local availability of bacteriologic facilities. Simplified criteria for identification of beta hemolytic streptococci seem to be quite adequate for routine use.

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