Increase in invasive group A streptococcal (Streptococcus pyogenes) infections (iGAS) in young children in the Netherlands, 2022
Brechje de Gier, N. Marchal, Ilse de Beer-Schuurman, Margreet te Wierik, Mariëtte Hooiveld, ISIS-AR Study Group, GAS Study group, Hester E. de Melker, Nina M. van Sorge
Abstract
In 2022, a sevenfold increase in the number of notifiable invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (iGAS) infections among children aged 0–5 years was observed in the Netherlands compared with pre-COVID-19 pandemic years. Of 42 cases in this age group, seven had preceding or coinciding varicella zoster infections, nine were fatal. This increase is not attributable to a specific emm type. Vigilance for clinical deterioration as iGAS sign is warranted in young children, especially those with varicella zoster infection.
Topics & Concepts
Streptococcus pyogenesSTREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONSGroup AGroup (periodic table)StreptococcusMicrobiologyMedicineBiologyChemistryInternal medicineGeneticsBacteriaStaphylococcus aureusOrganic chemistryStreptococcal Infections and TreatmentsNeonatal and Maternal InfectionsAntimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus