The value of an indirect hemagglutination test for streptococcal antibodies in children with acute rheumatic fever

Abstract

This study was made to evaluate the value of the IHA test for streptococcal antibodies in children with acute rheumatic fever in comparison with the conventional ASO titer. The upper limit titers of ASO and IHA in control group were 170 and 640 respectively. All sera from 37 patients with rheumatic fever had IHA titers over 640. In contrast, the level of ASO titer above upper normal limits was found in only 62% of these cases. This report presents data which favours the use of IHA test. Its sensitivity is very similar to that of the commercial Anti Streptozyme test. In addition, the test is simple and could be performed economically. More studies are needed to evaluate the test further. If the results proved as favourable as this report a negative test would be of a considerable value in excluding the diagnosis of acute, rheumatic fever especially in questionable cases.