Serological Diagnosis of Acute Tonsillitis in Salah Al-Din Province

Abstract

Background: Tonsillitis is one of the most important diseases in the community, especially in children, but its complications can affect adults at any age. The most bacterial causative agent is group A streptococci (GAS) infections, like tonsillitis, can progress into rheumatic fever and lead to complications like heart, kidney, and joint damage, known as poststreptococcal diseases. In Iraq, rheumatism is diagnosed based on antistreptolysin O titer (ASO) antigen serological titers. Objectives: This study aimed to recognize ASO in patients who had tonsillitis in Salah Al-Din Province, Iraq, where information about the test was lacking. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Salah Al-Din Province, with 235 patients aged 5–45 years examined at the Primary Health Care Center. Blood samples were taken and examined for antistreptolysin O using turbidimetry. Results: The results showed that ASO tonsillitis often increases in early childhood and decreases in urban areas (32.5%) presenting fever, joint, and loin pain. Conclusion: In conclusion, 40% of patients with tonsillitis had elevated antistreptolysin O levels, especially in the 5–14 years age group (47.36%), in urban areas (32.5%), and associated with fever (42.1%), cough (24.2%), and loin with joint pain (33.6%). These cases may progress into rheumatic heart disease, therefore, prompt treatment is necessary. A plan to prevent GAS infection and its complications should be implemented, along with more sensitive and specific investigations.