Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococci and Rheumatic Fever in Miami, Florida

1. Of 333 children attending the first three grades in three public schools in Miami, Florida, October, 1954 to May, 1955, 139 were absent one or more times during regularly scheduled monthly throat swabbing periods. 2. The reason for each absence was recorded and the throats of these absentees were swabbed as soon as possible (usually within 72 hours). 3. No direct relationship between frequency of isolation of Group A beta hemolytic streptococci and absences could be determined. 4. ASLO levels and responses showed no marked correlation with absenteeism, whether or not Group A organisms were recovered. 5. Colony counts of 25 to 100, and over 100 of Group A beta hemolytic streptococci were found on throat swab culture plates with the same relative frequency In cultures taken from non-absentees as from absentees. 6. No child in our investigation developed a known acute episode of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. 7. School absenteeism, in the present investigation, did not reflect upper respiratory illness in the children found to be carrying beta hemolytic streptococci in their pharynges and manifesting ASLO titer elevations. The relationship of beta hemolytic streptococci to illness has been discussed from the viewpoint of host-organism interaction.