Point-of-care molecular diagnostics for the detection of group A Streptococcus in non-invasive skin and soft tissue infections: a validation study

Ryan M. Close, Catherine G. Sutcliffe, Patrick Galdun, Angelina Reid, Morgan R. Askew, Anne M. Davidson, Kamellia Kellywood, Dennie Parker, Jayshree Patel, Eugene Romancito, Laura B. Brown, James B. McAuley, Laura L. Hammitt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are commonly caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS). Rapid molecular assays for detecting GAS in wounds would help with clinical management. This study assessed a point-of-care system for the detection of GAS in non-severe SSTIs in a Native American community in the Southwest. Methods: Patients presenting with a new non-severe SSTI were eligible if a swab was collected. The swab was tested by traditional culture methods and using the cobas® Liat® point-of-care (POC) system and results were compared. Results: 399 samples were included. The final result from the POC assay was positive for 52.0% of samples. Compared to culture, the POC assay had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99.5%. Conclusions: The cobas® Liat® system accurately and efficiently identified GAS in non-severe SSTIs. Having a POC test available to rapidly identify or rule out GAS could help to minimize overuse of antibiotics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number115729
JournalDiagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
Volume103
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2022

Keywords

  • Group A Streptococcus
  • Native Americans
  • diagnostics
  • skin and soft tissue infections

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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