Missed Cases and Contact Carriers Among Nasal Carriers of Beta Hemolytic Streptococci

One hundred nine ambulatory nasal carriers of Group A hemolytic streptococci in two army camps have been studied from the standpoint of the antistreptolysin-response of the blood serum, and in most instances, of signs and symptoms of respiratory infection. On the basis of these studies they have been classified as “missed cases,” “probable missed cases,” “possible missed cases,” “contact carriers,” and “probable contact carriers.” A few have not been classifiable by the criteria laid down. Antistreptolysin-levels among 149 normal non-carriers and 46 patients hospitalized for non-streptococcal infection served as a basis of comparison for the carriers. Contact carriers and probable contact carriers among this group were uncommon, comprising less than 5 per cent of the total. Missed cases, probable missed cases and “possible missed cases” accounted for 67.6 per cent of carriers in one camp and 94.3 per cent in the other. 24.3 per cent in one camp were not classifiable by the criteria laid down, though it seems likely that most of these were probably missed cases also.