Improved Diagnostic Performance of an Immunofluorescence-based Rapid Antigen Detection Test for Group A Streptococci in Children With Pharyngitis.

Background: Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis are important to prevent complications. Most available rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs) have shown excellent specificity but often lack sensitivity. Our objective was to compare the diagnostic performances of a new fluorescence-based immunoassay and a classic immunochromatographic RADT using standard throat culture or polymerase chain reaction as references.

Acceptability of maternal immunization against influenza: the critical role of obstetricians.

Introduction: Pregnant women and infants are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable complications due to influenza. In Switzerland, immunization was first recommended to all pregnant women in 2009. We assessed the acceptability of this recommendation and its determinants two seasons later.