Use of serum antistreptolysin O titers in the microbial diagnosis of orthopedic infections

SummaryThe utility of serologic tests in the microbial diagnosis of orthopedic infections is unknown. Antistreptolysin O titer determination is inexpensive and accurate in the diagnosis of β-hemolytic group A, C, and G streptococci. In patients with negative culture results and positive titers, antibiotics might be reduced to the narrowest spectrum, penicillin.