[Antibiotics to treat streptococcal pharyngitis in Swiss children: is it still useful?]

Abstract

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is a common pediatric infectious disease in school-aged children. After the detection of the bacteria in the pharynx, treatment with 10 days of antibiotics is recommended in Switzerland. The rationale to treat is based on studies from the 1950s, when the epidemiology of GAS strain was very different and the incidence of acute rheumatic fever significantly higher than today in developed countries. This article explores the current national recommendations, as well as the benefits of antibiotic treatment in the management of this infection. A reevaluation, as in other countries, of the management and treatment of GAS pharyngitis in Switzerland is considered.