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Group A β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis outbreak
Dante R Culqui1, Sandra Manzanares-Laya2, Sarah Lafuente Van Der Sluis2
1Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España.
Revista De Saude Publica
|June 5, 2014
Summary
An outbreak of group A Streptococcus pharyngotonsillitis occurred among healthcare professionals. Epidemiological evidence suggests potential foodborne transmission, though respiratory spread remains a possibility.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Bacteriology
- Public Health
Background:
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngotonsillitis is a common bacterial infection.
- Outbreaks in healthcare settings necessitate investigation into transmission routes.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for effective control measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an outbreak of group A β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis among healthcare professionals.
- To investigate potential transmission sources, including foodborne and respiratory routes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 17 individuals who dined together.
- Data collected included symptom frequency, timing, severity, demographics, and food history.
- Laboratory confirmation of group A β-hemolytic streptococcal infection was performed.
Main Results:
- The attack rate for the outbreak was 58.8%.
- Six out of 10 clients tested positive for group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus.
- Six of 13 food handlers developed symptoms; no food item was definitively linked.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological evidence supports foodborne transmission of group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus in this outbreak.
- Respiratory transmission could not be excluded as a contributing factor.
- Further investigation is needed to differentiate between foodborne and respiratory transmission in similar events.
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