Lack of correlation between streptococcal Fc receptors and symptomatic pharyngitis.

To determine whether bacterial Fc(gamma) surface receptors are associated with symptomatic streptococcal pharyngitis, throat cultures were obtained from 264 children (grouped according to symptoms of pharyngeal infection) and from 328 who were asymptomatic. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci which were recovered were tested for the presence of Fc(gamma) surface receptors. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of Fc(gamma) surface receptors on strains from the various patient groups.