Invasive group A streptococcal disease in children in Queensland

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Anecdotal reports suggested an increase in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) disease frequency and severity among children in Queensland.
• Understanding the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of iGAS disease is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiology and clinical features of iGAS disease in Queensland children aged 0-18 years.
• To determine if there has been an increase in the frequency or severity of iGAS infections.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of clinical records for all notified iGAS disease cases in Queensland children (0-18 years) over a 5-year period.
• Calculation of annualized incidence rates for the general pediatric population and the Indigenous pediatric population.

Main Results:

• The annualized incidence of iGAS was 3.5/100,000 for children aged 0-18 and 13.2/100,000 for Indigenous children.
• Incidence was highest in Indigenous infants, but no overall increase in disease frequency or severity was observed.
• Key findings included increased prevalence in Indigenous children (especially <1 year), male predominance, no seasonal variation, and an association with blunt trauma.

Conclusions:

• While iGAS disease remains a concern, particularly in Indigenous infants, this study did not find evidence of increased frequency or severity in Queensland children.
• Further research is needed to confirm these epidemiological findings and identify specific risk factors in high-risk populations.