Group A Streptococcus Infections in Children: Epidemiological Insights Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the cause of both mild and invasive infections in humans with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The transmission of disease usually occurs via droplets, so the implementation of infection mitigation strategies (IMS) during the COVID-19 pandemic altered the incidence...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Pathogens |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/13/11/1007 |
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| Summary: | Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the cause of both mild and invasive infections in humans with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The transmission of disease usually occurs via droplets, so the implementation of infection mitigation strategies (IMS) during the COVID-19 pandemic altered the incidence of GAS infection. This review aims to provide an overview of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of GAS infection in children (invasive or non-invasive). A surge in the incidence of invasive GAS infection was noted in December 2022 after the reversal of IMS. A global uprise in GAS infection (invasive and non-invasive) was noted, especially concerning the pediatric population. Children younger than 5 years old were mostly affected, with complicated pneumonia being the leading clinical manifestation, causing many deaths worldwide. <i>Emm1</i>, specifically M1UK, was recognized as the dominant lineage in Europe and correlated with invasive disease. Healthcare professionals need to be alert about the severity of GAS-related infections, leading to early identification and treatment. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-0817 |