Saturday, April 4th 2026
Sore throat can be bacterial, viral or rarely parasitic. Microbiological analyzes help in accurate diagnosis, avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics and prevent complications
Microbiological diagnosis enables timely treatment and avoids the unnecessary use of antibiotics, especially during the flu season and COVID-19.
The most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus pyogenes, which requires early diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Sore throat is one of the symptoms more frequent upper respiratory tract infections. It can be of bacterial, viral, less often parasitic origin. Correct and timely diagnosis is essential to choose the right therapy and avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics, which remains a serious problem in clinical practice, Telegrafi reports.
The most frequent causes of sore throat
Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes – group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus)
Streptococcus is the most important bacterial cause of sore throat. The infection usually starts suddenly, with high fever, pain when swallowing, redness of the throat and often white patches on the tonsils. The absence of cough and severe pain during swallowing are elements that make it more suspicious for bacterial etiology.
Rapid test for streptococci (less sensitive, but quick and practical)
Early detection is very important, because adequate treatment prevents complications such as rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis and the spread of infection.
This virus causes infectious mononucleosis, which is characterized by prolonged sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, fever and severe fatigue. It can often be accompanied by enlargement of the spleen and liver.
Serological analysis (EBV IgM and IgG antibodies)
Adenovirus is a frequent cause of viral throat infections, especially in children. Characteristic is the association with conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes), fever and general symptoms of respiratory infection.
Serological analysis (IgM and IgG in serum)
CMV can cause a clinical picture similar to mononucleosis, with sore throat, fatigue and fever. It usually has a milder course, but may be important in immunocompromised patients.
Serology (IgM and IgG, avidity as needed)
A rarer cause of sore throat, but can produce symptoms similar to viral infections, including fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes.
Serology tests (IgM, IgG and IgG avidity)
When to test for sore throat
Microbiological tests are recommended when present:
severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing
symptoms lasting more than a few days
lack of improvement after initial treatment
In clinical practice, these criteria often help to differentiate bacterial from viral infections and establish the need for testing.
helps to differentiate between bacterial and viral infection
avoids the unnecessary use of antibiotics
enables targeted and more effective therapy
reduces the risk of short-term and long-term complications
In health institutions, a combination of classic microbiological methods and modern molecular analysis (PCR) is used to ensure accurate diagnosis and correct treatment orientation.
During the season of respiratory infections, especially in periods of increased flu and COVID-19, are also recommended:
These tests are usually performed with the PCR method and help to differentiate the causes of sore throat in an epidemiological context.
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Source: prizrenpost
