{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Point-of-care molecular diagnostics for the detection of group A Streptococcus in non-invasive skin and soft tissue infections: a validation study.
{Author}: Close RM;Sutcliffe CG;Galdun P;Reid A;Askew MR;Davidson AM;Kellywood K;Parker D;Patel J;Romancito E;Brown LB;McAuley JB;Hammitt LL;Close RM;Sutcliffe CG;Galdun P;Reid A;Askew MR;Davidson AM;Kellywood K;Parker D;Patel J;Romancito E;Brown LB;McAuley JB;Hammitt LL;
{Journal}: Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis
{Volume}: 103
{Issue}: 4
{Year}: Aug 2022
{Factor}: 2.983
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2022.115729
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>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.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>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.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>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%.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>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.