A new type of Strep A test is set to save lives in remote settings. 

Instant diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening Strep A infections is now very close to reality across Australia’s remote and regional areas thanks to molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) that slashes result times from five days to just minutes.

Experts say utilising POCT machines to fast-track diagnosis of group A streptococcal (Strep A) pharyngitis in kids has the potential to revolutionise prevention strategies for acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

Strep A infections are often responsible for sore throats and painful skin infections, which can lead to irreversible and potentially deadly heart and kidney damage if left untreated.

Affecting remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians at some of the highest rates in the world, the key challenge in the prevention of ARF and RHD has been timely diagnosis and treatment of Strep A to minimise the risk of serious complications and stop the spread of infection throughout communities.

Using POCT brings the diagnostic lab directly to the patient and will play a crucial role in elimination of ARF and RHD in Australia.

“Our research has shown that POCT is extremely efficient in detecting mild and undiagnosed infection and facilitates early confirmation of Strep A pharyngitis by reducing turnaround time from several days for traditional laboratory testing down to just minutes,” says Dr Dylan Barth, Honorary Research Associate and Epidemiologist for the END RHD Program at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at Telethon Kids Institute.

“Over 100 POCT machines were set up in remote health clinics throughout Australia as part of COVID-19 testing, and this network of machines will be a game-changer in enabling clinicians to accurately treat patients on the spot.

“A positive test will minimise missed opportunities to treat patients who have a Strep A sore throat and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance by ensuring clinicians only prescribe antibiotics to children with a confirmed result.

“In addition to the considerable benefits for young people at risk of Strep A, utilising POCT will enhance public health surveillance systems to detect outbreaks and action a public health response in a timely manner.”

As part of a collaboration led by the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney, the scientists now have the opportunity to extend the existing use of POCT set-up during the COVID-19 pandemic to incorporate Strep A into this platform of tests, and the research team has received just under $10 million in Medical Research Future Funding from the Australian Government to make this happen.

More details are accessible here.