Case of Sick Student• Fever 105• Swollen throat

glands• Sore throat

• Based on throat seems to be bacterial

Tests and Results• First step, Strep

test:– Negative Result

• Could be viral instead

• Recommendation– Rest, fluids,

Tylenol for fever

3 days later:• Student still very ill• Redo strep test, still

neg– Strep test only tests

for Strep A– Could be C or G

strains– Order Follow up

culture

• Give penicillin

10 days later:• Student still very ill• Student works in lab

with penicillin-resistance bacteria

• Follow up cultures confirm penicillin-resistance

• Switch meds!

Control

Student

Penicillin

Penicillin

Don’t Assume!!

• Can have False Negatives on Tests

• Order Cultures for possible bacterial infections

• Check for drug-resistant strains

• Check patient history before prescribing meds