Distribution of hemolytic streptococci in respiratory specimens

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Abstract
Isolates (137) of .beta.-hemolytic streptococci were recovered from 623 [human] pharyngeal cultures. Of these isolates, 29% were group A, 10% were group B, 31% were group C, 11% were group F, 12% were group G and 7% could not be grouped. The significance of non-group A isolates in pharyngitis could not be evaluated in the absence of viral and serological studies. Hemolytic streptococci were recovered from 9% of 799 lower respiratory cultures. All except 1 were non-group A and other potential respiratory pathogens were present in these specimens. The presence of hemolytic streptococci in lower respiratory tract specimens may usually represent pharnygeal contamination.