What Centor score indicates that a patient should be treated with antibiotics for Strep?

A Centor score of 4 to 5 indicates that a patient should be treated with antibiotics for suspected streptococcal pharyngitis (Strep throat). The Centor criteria help clinicians assess the likelihood of streptococcal infection based on specific clinical findings, including the presence of tonsillar exudates, tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, and absence of cough.

When a patient scores within this range (4 to 5), it reflects a significant probability of streptococcal infection, thus warranting antibiotic treatment to reduce complications, relieve symptoms, and prevent the spread of the infection. Antibiotic treatment is especially crucial at these higher Centor scores, as the likelihood of positive rapid antigen detection tests and throat cultures increases, supporting the need for timely intervention.

Lower scores, such as 0 to 1 or 2 to 3, typically suggest a lower risk for strep throat and often lean towards supportive care rather than immediate antibiotic therapy. A score of 6 or above is not clinically validated in this context, as the highest standardized scores range only from 0 to 5. Thus, a score of 4 to 5 indicates a clear need for antibiotic therapy.