Minimum Amount of Penicillin Prophylaxis Required to Control Streptococcus Pyogenes Epidemic in Closed Community

Overview

Journal Br Med J (Clin Res Ed)

Specialty General Medicine

Date 1982 Jul 10

PMID 6805842

Authors

A Colling

I Kerr

W R MAXTED

J P Widdowson

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The prophylaxis required to control an epidemic of Streptococcus pyogenes throat infection in a junior detention centre has been reported. In a further epidemic an attempt was made to determine the minimum amount of penicillin required to control the outbreak. Oral penicillin (0.5 g) given as a single daily dose for 10 days to all boys after entry proved effective. The added risk of relatively deprived adolescent boys developing rheumatic fever is stressed.

References

Gastanaduy A, Kaplan E, Huwe B, Mckay C, Wannamaker L . Failure of penicillin to eradicate group A streptococci during an outbreak of pharyngitis. Lancet. 1980; 2(8193):498-502. DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(80)91832-2. View

Colling A, Kerr I, MAXTED W, Widdowson J . Streptococcal infection in a Junior Detention Centre: a five-year study. J Hyg (Lond). 1980; 85(3):331-41. PMC: 2134017. DOI: 10.1017/s0022172400063403. View