ASTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction PCR technique in early detection of infection with group A beta-haemplytic streptococci in comparing with conventional diagnostic methods among the patients with tonsillitis. Methods: One hundred ninety one swabs and blood specimens were obtained from patients with tonsillitis in addition to samples of healthy control group during a period between 2008-2009 in general Ramadi hospital, Iraq and the tests (PCR) and other bacteriological and serological test at the same time on these samples. Results: Our data show that in recurrent tonsillitis group out of 72 GBHS isolates 43 (59.7%) were detected by PCR, however 15(20.8%) were positive by serogrouping. Out of 75 bacterial isolates, 22 (29.4%) isolates were GABHS and 15 (83.5%) of these were GABHS detected by PCR and only 4 (5.3%) of GABHS detected by serogrouping methods in acute recurrent group, and our results revealed that the inoculation of penicillin and L-therionine to the brain heart infusion broth improved the DNA extraction from gram positive bacteria (GBHS). Conclusion: Our study confirmed that the PCR technique more sensitive and highly specific in early detection of GBHS among the patients with tonsillitis in comparing with conventional; diagnostic methods.

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