Beta-haemolytic streptococci and antistreptolysin-O titres in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and a matched control group.

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Abstract
The anti-streptolysin-[OMICRON] titer has been determined and a throat and a nose swab have been taken monthly for 6 months in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and a control group. At any moment of the study the prevalence of [beta]-hemolytic streptococci of Groups A, C, and G was significantly higher in the patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in the controls. This was due in part to a slightly higher acquisition rate, but mainly to a reduced elimination rate. Equal numbers of raised antistreptolysin-[OMICRON] titers (>150 U) were found in both groups, but significantly more higher titers (>300 U) in the rheumatoid patients; this seems to agree with the lower elimination rate, as prolonged infection leads to higher antibody response.