JYC Chan, F Yau, F Cheng, D Chan, B Chan, M Kwan; On behalf of The Working Group on The Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines of The Hong Kong College of Paediatricians

Abstract

Acute pharyngitis is commonly seen in children, and the majority of cases are caused by viral infection. Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the only common bacterial cause for which antibiotic therapy is definitely indicated. With the weak differentiating power of clinical features between GAS and non-streptococcal causes, clinicians are encouraged to perform either throat culture or rapid antigen detection test for GAS confirmation before initiating antibiotic therapy if doubt exists. Based on latest literature and approved by The Working Group on The Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Hong Kong College of Paediatricians, this practice recommendation is intended for use by paediatricians and primary care physicians for their evidence-based management of acute pharyngitis in children.