Streptococcus pyogenes pharyngitis & impetigo in a rural area of Panchkula district in Haryana, India

To justify development of a vaccine against Streptococcus pyogenes [Group A Streptococcus (GAS)], the burden of streptococcal diseases needs to be estimated. There are several reports on the occurrence of GAS infection in India but information on the incidence of pharyngitis and impetigo is still limited1-4. Hence, incidence of GAS pharyngitis and impetigo was determined and GAS emm types were identified in rural children aged 7-11 yr in four primary schools of Raipur Rani Community Development Block of Panchkula district in Haryana, India. These schools were selected in villages where health care workers were available to assist project field staff. Permission from the respective schools authorities was taken to conduct the study.