SToPPING Acute Rheumatic Fever Skin Trial

About the Research Project

Acute Rheumatic fever and Rheumatic heart Disease occur due to complications of Group A streptococcus infections. They are preventable conditions and are significantly overrepresented in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents. Community led interventions, particularly those targeting the early diagnosis of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, are critical to reducing Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease rates.  

The SToPPING Acute Rheumatic Fever skin trial has been co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation’s (ATSICCHO) to address their community identified need for increased diagnostic capacity for Group A Strep impetigo in Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease endemic communities. 

Impact

• The primary aim of the study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Roche cobas Liat Strep A - Point of Care Test (PoCT) for Group A Streptococcus infections for the diagnosis of impetigo lesions in a regional or remote setting compared to a reference laboratory standard. 
• To examine the rates of Group A Strep skin infections in communities that utilise the Roche cobas Liat PoCT 
• To examine the types and rate of antibiotic prescription for Group A Strep skin infections 
• To determine the acceptability of the Roche cobas Liat PoCT to health service staff in participating services.  

Partners

• CSIRO