Point-of-care molecular diagnostics for the detection of group A Streptococcus in non-invasive skin and soft tissue infections: a validation study

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are commonly caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS). Rapid molecular assays for detecting GAS in wounds would help with clinical management. This study assessed a point-of-care system for the detection of GAS in non-severe SSTIs in a Native American community in the Southwest.

Methods: Patients presenting with a new non-severe SSTI were eligible if a swab was collected. The swab was tested by traditional culture methods and using the cobas® Liat® point-of-care (POC) system and results were compared.

Results: 399 samples were included. The final result from the POC assay was positive for 52.0% of samples. Compared to culture, the POC assay had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 99.5%.

Conclusions: The cobas® Liat® system accurately and efficiently identified GAS in non-severe SSTIs. Having a POC test available to rapidly identify or rule out GAS could help to minimize overuse of antibiotics.