Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the pharyngeal carriage rate of group A beta haemolytic streptococci among healthy schoolchildren in Elazig, Turkey.

Material and Methods: Throat swabs were taken from 1014 schoolchildren aged 6-15 years and directly were cultured on sheep blood agar plates. Haemolytic streptococci were further identified presumptively using bacitracin (0.04 units), trimethoprim (1.25µg)-sulfamethoxazole (23.75µg) discs and a commercial latex agglutination technique (Dryspot Streptococcal Grouping Kit-Oxoid, England ).

Results: The pharyngeal carriage rate of beta haemolytic streptococci was 12.4%, for group A streptococci 9.6%, group C 1.2%, group G 1.6%. None of whom had a sore throat nor signs and/or symptoms of a respiratory tract infection. No sex dependent variations were observed.

Conclusion: In conclusion, considering these high rates observed in this study children especially who are going to have medical intervention should be checked with respect to species carriage.