Contents

Search

Centor criteria/scoring system for Streptococcal pharyngitis

Modified Centor Scoring system Criteria Points temperature > 38C 1 absence of cough 1 swollen, tender anterior cervical nodes 1 tonsilar swelling or exudate 1 age 3-14 years 1 age 15-44 years 0 age > 45 years -1 A score of 2 or less makes Streptococcal pharyngitis unlikely & no testing or empiric antibodies indicated A score of 3 or higher warrants a rapid antigen detection test A score of 4 or higher formerly warranted empiric antibiotic therapy, but not in MKSAP19 [3] A positive rapid antigen test should warrant antibiotic therapy & a confirmatory throat culture

Related

group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus pharyngitis

References

  1. Journal Watch 24(10):80, 2004 McIsaac WJ, Kellner JD, Aufricht P, Vanjaka A, Low DE. Empirical validation of guidelines for the management of pharyngitis in children and adults. JAMA. 2004 Apr 7;291(13):1587-95. PMID: 15069046
  2. Centor RM et al Pharyngitis management: defining the controversy. J Gen Intern Med. 2007 Jan;22(1):127-30. PMID: 17351852
  3. Mustafa Z, Ghaffari M. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 17, 18, 19. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2015, 2018, 2022.
  4. Mustafa Z, Ghaffari M. Diagnostic Methods, Clinical Guidelines, and Antibiotic Treatment for Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis: A Narrative Review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020 Oct 15;10:563627. PMID: 33178623 PMCID: PMC7593338 Free PMC article