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NCT Number: NCT05521568

Diagnostic Accuracy of Rapid Molecular Tests for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis Using Saliva Samples

Observational study evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of rapid point-of-care molecular Group A strep diagnostic tests in saliva as compared to standard culture- and PCR-based techniques for the management of children aged 3-15 years of age presenting with sore throat to primary care.

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Key information

Conditions

Streptococcal Pharyngitis Hypersensitivity Immune System Diseases Infections Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases Pharyngeal Diseases Pharyngitis Respiratory Tract Diseases Respiratory Tract Infections Stomatognathic Diseases

Age range

3 year–15 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

ACTIV

Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, France

About this study

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is found in 20% to 40% of cases of childhood pharyngitis; the remaining cases are viral. Streptococcal pharyngitis ('strep throat') deserves antibiotics, while these are not indicated in viral cases. Because signs and symptoms of streptococcal and viral cases overlap, most guidelines recommend relying on a diagnostic test to identify Group A streptococcus to select who should receive antibiotics. In most settings, the first-line test to detect Group A Streptococcus is a rapid antigen detection test based on a throat swab, and the reference standard to identify streptococcal cases is throat culture. Recently, new rapid tests were developed. They use molecular techniques, such as rapid PCRs or LAMP, based on throat swabs. We hypothesize that these new molecular tests are sensitive enough to be performed on saliva swabs instead of throat swabs. Collecting saliva is less invasive and could be done by personnel with limited training.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • children 3-15 years
  • seen in primary care (general practitioner or primary care pediatrician)
  • with a diagnosis of acute pharyngitis defined as an inflammation of the pharynx and/or tonsils (erythema with or without exudate) or acute sore throat (even if without local signs of pharyngeal inflammation)
  • non-opposition of the accompanying parent(s)

Exclusion criteria

  • children who received antibiotics within 7 days before inclusion
  • children already enrolled in the study for the same episode of pharyngitis

Treatment and study plan

Index test: Abbott ID NOW STREP A 2

Diagnostic Test

The test under evaluation ('index test') is the rapid molecular test for Group A streptococcus Abbott ID NOW STREP A 2 (performed on saliva samples instead of throat swabs). This test was chosen because of its ease of use and several previous evaluations showing high diagnostic accuracy on throat swabs. The test gives a result after 2 to 6 minutes and will be performed by primary care practitioners participating in the study, in their office, using salivary swabs instead of throat swabs. Investigators will receive one session of specific training prior to the study. Saliva samples will be collected using the cotton swab that comes within the test packages. Index test results will not be used for patient management. Clinicians performing the rapid saliva test will not be blinded to clinical information.

Reference standard test: Composite of culture and PCR-based tests based on a throat swab

Diagnostic Test

Throat samples will be obtained by use of a double-swab collection-transportation system :

  • Swab #1 will be used to perform the rapid antigen detection test (see below)
  • Swab #2 will be held at ambient temperature and sent within 72 hours to Robert Debre Hospital microbiology laboratory. Throat swabs will be used to perform throat cultures using standard techniques (PMID: 22768060). Throat swabs will also be used to perform a PCR specific for Group A streptococcus (PMID: 23465407). Samples with a positive culture and/or a positive PCR test result will be classified as reference-standard-positives. Samples with a negative culture and a negative PCR will be classified as reference-standard-negatives. Investigators will be blinded to clinical data, including the result of the rapid antigen detection test and the rapid saliva test.

Comparator test: Rapid antigen detection test (usual care)

Diagnostic Test

As per usual care, all children will undergo a rapid antigen detection test (StreptAtest, Biosynex), using Swab#1 (see above). This rapid antigen detection test is the one used in France and is the only commercial kit that is officially recommended by the National Health Insurance system. It detects Lancefield's Group A antigen, which is specific to Group A Streptococcus. The test will be performed by investigators, during consultation time. Clinicians performing the rapid antigen detection test will not be blinded to clinical information.

Primary outcomes

  1. Sensitivity of the Abbott ID NOW STREP A 2 rapid molecular test on saliva samples.

    Time frame: Immediatly after the test

Secondary outcomes

  1. Difference in sensitivity between the rapid molecular tests on saliva and the classical rapid antigen detection tests on throat swabs

    Time frame: Immediatly after the test

Other outcomes

  1. Variability in sensitivity and specificity of rapid molecular tests on saliva according to the McIsaac score (modified Centor score)

    Time frame: Immediatly after the test

  2. Time needed to perform the rapid molecular test on saliva and obtain the results

    Time frame: Immediatly after the test

  3. Satisfaction of the physician, the child, and the accompanying parent(s) withe a questionnaire

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1,5 year

  4. Main reasons for not performing rapid tests among primary care practitioners

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1,5 year

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil

Other

Collaborators

  • Association Clinique Thérapeutique Infantile du val de Marne
  • Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses Croix Saint-Simon
  • Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades
  • University Hospital, Paris

Registry information

Official study title

Diagnostic Accuracy of Rapid Molecular Tests for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis Using Saliva Samples: Prospective Multicenter Study in Primary Care

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 30, 2022
Registry last updated
Sep 9, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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