Isolation and Identification of Streptococci Species Isolated from Sore Throat of Patients Attending General Hospital, Minna Niger State

ABSTRACT
This research project aimed to isolate and identify Streptococci species isolated from sore throat patients attending General Hospital, Minna, Niger State. Sore throat which is medically known as pharyngitis is a throat infection associated with pains, difficulty swallowing and scratchiness of the throats. Viral infections are established to be mostly responsible for sore throat infections but bacterial such as Streptococci species are responsible for its most chronic effects in patients. From the results of this study, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus spp. were isolated. Streptococcus pneumoniae has the highest percentage occurrence of 6(60.00%) while the Streptococcus pyogenes and other Streptococcus spp. has percentage occurrence of 2(20.00%) each. The socio-demographic and predisposing factors associated with transmissions of Streptococci species in the study area were determined. The socio-demographic factors highlighted that younger people, male and people in the rural area, with lower education level, and occupations such as farmers and drivers are mostly infected by sore throat caused by Streptococci species. The risk factors associated with transmissions of Streptococci species in the study area were unbalanced diet, overcrowding, and chronic smoking. Proper diagnosis is encouraged by this study before a personalized treatment of sore throat infections can be commenced.