Major risk factors for Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis bacteremia: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis) is a notable human pathogen.
• This bacterium can cause severe invasive infections, including bacteremia.
• Limited data exists regarding predisposing factors for S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis bacteremia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze risk factors associated with S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis bacteremia.
• To compare these risk factors against the general population in Finland.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of patients over 18 years old diagnosed with S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis bacteremia between August 2015 and July 2018.
• Utilized data from the Finhealth study for comparison with the general Finnish population.
• Matched the study cohort with the Finhealth study data based on age and sex.

Main Results:

• Analyzed 217 episodes of S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis bacteremia from 211 patients.
• Obesity was identified as a significant risk factor (Odds Ratio 2.96).
• Diabetes (OR 4.82) and coronary artery disease (OR 3.03) were also significantly associated with increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Obesity, diabetes, and coronary artery disease are key risk factors for S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis bacteremia.
• These findings enhance the understanding of predisposing conditions for this infection.
• The study provides valuable insights for clinical risk assessment and prevention strategies.