GROUP-A STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION IN AN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY

Objective: To determine whether group A streptococcal infection and poststreptococcal sequelae are still a significant health issue for Aboriginal communities. Design. A cross-sectional survey of streptococcal carriage, infection and antibody levels. Setting: A north Queensland Aboriginal community. Participants: One hundred and twenty preschool and school-aged children (2 to 12 years of age) living in the Lockhart River Community on Cape York Peninsula. Results: Pyoderma was present in 43% of the children and in 76% of these culture of skin lesions grew group A streptococci. Group A streptococci also grew from 13% of throat swabs, making a total of 36% of children culture positive. Anti-streptolysin 0 and anti-DNAass 8 levels were remarkably high and increased with age. Conclusions: The evidence presented confirms a high level of group A streptococcal carriage and infection in children of the Lockhart River Community. Further investigation of this problem is warranted in other Aboriginal communities with a view to instituting appropriate control programs.