The Thousand Faces of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections: Update on Epidemiology, Symptoms, and Therapy
Stefania Mercadante, Andrea Ficari, Lorenza Romani, Maia De Luca, Costanza Tripiciano, Sara Chiurchiù, Francesca Ippolita Calò Carducci, Laura Cursi, Martina Di Giuseppe, Andrzej Krzysztofiak, Stefania Bernardi, Laura Lancella
Abstract
(iGAS), commonly known as Group A Streptococcus, represent a significant public health concern due to their potential for rapid progression and life-threatening complications. Epidemiologically, invasive GAS infections exhibit a diverse global distribution, affecting individuals of all ages with varying predisposing factors. The pathogenesis of invasive GAS involves an array of virulence factors that contribute to tissue invasion, immune evasion, and systemic dissemination. In pediatrics, in the last few years, an increase in iGAS infections has been reported worldwide becoming a challenging disease to diagnose and treat promptly. This review highlights the current knowledge on pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and therapeutic approaches for iGAS in children.