In the Spring of 1947 an epidemic of streptococcal pharyngitis and scarlet fever attacked a large permanent army post 5 numbering about eight thousand troops. A carrier survey just prior to this outbreak had disclosed a high rate (17 per cent) of carriers of beta hemolytic streptococci. Study of these organisms and those isolated from patients during the epidemic revealed that all were of Lancefield Group A. Seven-eighths of those isolated from carriers, and all streptococci isolated from patients, were either type 23 or 19. Infections caused by type 23 predominated and constituted about 70 per cent of all cases.During a 60-day period, 184 patients received a preliminary diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis or scarlet fever and were placed in a special study group at the time of their admission to the post station hospital.The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate and delineate the natural history of streptococcal pharyngitis in the young male, (2) to assess the value of three treatment schedules (detailed below), and (3)
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