Sequential serum samples from 100 children with documented group A streptococcal pharyngitis treated with orally given penicillin were examined with antistreptolysin and Streptozyme tests.
The Streptozyme test was positive with all sera with antistreptolysin titers [unk] 166 Todd units. Serum samples showing low antistreptolysin and elevated Streptozyme titers had an increased antihyaluronidase or antideoxyribonuclease B titer, or both, in more than 50% of the cases.
Patients with low initial antistreptolysin and Streptozyme titers, on reexamination one month later, exhibited statistically significant titer increase. These levels, however, still remained below the accepted "normal" levels.