Treatment of Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children in Low Resource Settings

Treatment of Pharyngitis Study (TOPS): A Randomized Equivalence Trial of Intramuscular Penicillin G vs. Oral Amoxicillin Antibiotics for the Treatment of Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children in Developing Countries

The purpose of this study was to compare the microbiological effects of two different treatments: a single dose of intramuscular benzathine penicillin G (IM BPG) vs. a 10-day daily dose of amoxicillin for the treatment of GABHS pharyngitis in children in low resource settings. This study was a prospective multi-center randomized active control treatment trial. The trial is a non-inferiority equivalence trial, to determine if amoxicillin treatment is at least as effective as the currently given IM BPG treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: 2-12 years old,
• Presenting with complaint of sore throat
• Parental consent given and child assent if 5 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• The parent/guardian reported oral antibiotic use in the past 3 days or injectable penicillin in past 28 days prior to screening
• Had a history of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease
• Required hospitalization for any reason at the time of enrollment
• Had previously been enrolled in the study