What age range has a Centor score of +1 for group A streptococcus risk?

A Centor score of +1 for group A streptococcus risk is specifically associated with children aged 3 to 14 years. The Centor criteria are used in clinical practice to assess the likelihood of streptococcal pharyngitis based on several symptoms and characteristics of the patient, including age.

Children in the 3 to 14-year age range have a higher risk for group A strep infections due to their immune system development and social interaction patterns, such as being in school or daycare environments where infections are more easily transmitted. This age group is particularly monitored because they show distinct clinical presentations and patterns that differentiate their pharyngitis from that of older adults or younger children.

In contrast, individuals under 3 years may not display typical symptoms as reliably, and those in the 15-44 years bracket often experience a lower incidence of streptococcal infections than younger children. Additionally, patients aged 45 years and older typically have a lower risk as well, further supporting the focus on the 3 to 14 age category as the one marked with a Centor score of +1. This stratification helps clinicians prioritize which patients might benefit from further testing or treatment for strep throat.