Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
06:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Differences in the epidemiology between paediatric and adult invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections

L Zachariadou1, A Stathi1, P T Tassios2

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Epidemiology and Infection
|June 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric and adult invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (iGAS) infections show distinct patterns. Children frequently experienced bacteremia and lymphadenitis, while adults had more streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (iGAS) infections present unique challenges in both pediatric and adult populations.
  • Understanding age-specific differences in iGAS infections is crucial for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of iGAS infections in children versus adults.
  • To identify age-related differences in predisposing factors, clinical presentations, and emm-type prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study analyzing 142 iGAS cases across 17 Greek hospitals from 2003-2007.
  • Data collection included patient demographics, clinical manifestations, predisposing factors, and emm-typing of Streptococcus pyogenes isolates.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify significant differences between pediatric and adult cohorts.

Main Results:

  • Bacteremia and lymphadenitis were more common in children, whereas streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) was more frequent in adults.
  • Key predisposing factors differed, with varicella and pharyngotonsillitis in children, and malignancy, IV drug use, and diabetes in adults.
  • Specific emm-types showed distinct associations with age groups, clinical outcomes, and antibiotic resistance patterns.

Conclusions:

  • Significant clinical and epidemiological disparities exist between pediatric and adult iGAS infections.
  • These age-focused differences are vital for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
  • Identification of specific emm-types in distinct age groups aids in understanding disease dynamics.

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight, compared...