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First reported cluster of overwhelming group A streptococcal septicaemia and associated chickenpox infection in the

Andrew Gustaf Nyman1, Helen Wolfenden, Prem Roy

  • 1Milton Keynes General Hospital NHS Trust, Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD, UK.

BMJ Case Reports
|June 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

A cluster of invasive group A streptococcal sepsis cases, including one fatality, occurred in children with chickenpox. Public health measures and varicella vaccination are crucial for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Invasive group A streptococcal sepsis is a known complication of primary chickenpox.
  • Prompt and aggressive treatment is essential for invasive group A streptococcal sepsis.
  • Chickenpox can lead to severe outcomes, including sepsis and death.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first epidemiologically linked cluster of invasive group A streptococcal sepsis following chickenpox in the UK.
  • To highlight the importance of public health interventions in managing infectious disease outbreaks.
  • To emphasize the role of varicella vaccination in preventing severe outcomes of chickenpox.

Main Methods:

  • Case reporting and epidemiological investigation of linked infections.
  • Review of clinical data for patients with invasive group A streptococcal sepsis and chickenpox.
  • Analysis of public health measures implemented following the outbreak.

Main Results:

  • Two cases of invasive group A streptococcal sepsis were identified in children with primary chickenpox.
  • One fatality occurred, emphasizing the severity of the complication.
  • The cases were linked to attendance at the same preschool, indicating potential transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Epidemiologically linked cases of invasive group A streptococcal sepsis following chickenpox can occur in pediatric populations.
  • Public health measures are vital to control the spread of secondary bacterial infections after viral illnesses.
  • Varicella vaccination is a key strategy to reduce the incidence of chickenpox and its severe complications, including sepsis.

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