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Increase in invasive group A streptococcal (Streptococcus pyogenes) infections (iGAS) in young children in the

Brechje de Gier1, Niek Marchal1, Ilse de Beer-Schuurman2

  • 1Center for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
|January 25, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (iGAS) infections in Dutch children under 6 surged sevenfold in 2022. Vigilance is crucial, particularly in children with varicella zoster, due to a notable increase in severe iGAS cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • A significant rise in invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (iGAS) infections was noted in young children in the Netherlands during 2022.
  • This increase was observed in comparison to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the characteristics and trends of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (iGAS) infections in children aged 0-5 years in the Netherlands.
  • To investigate potential contributing factors, such as concurrent infections, associated with the observed increase in iGAS cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of notifiable invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (iGAS) infection cases in children aged 0-5 years reported in the Netherlands in 2022.
  • Comparison of infection rates with historical data from pre-pandemic periods.
  • Examination of co-occurring infections, specifically varicella zoster, and fatality rates.

Main Results:

  • A sevenfold increase in iGAS infections among children aged 0-5 years was recorded in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic years.
  • Out of 42 cases in this age group, seven were associated with preceding or coinciding varicella zoster infections.
  • Nine of the 42 cases were fatal, indicating a high severity.

Conclusions:

  • The increase in iGAS infections in young children is a significant public health concern.
  • Varicella zoster infection appears to be a notable co-factor in some severe iGAS cases.
  • Increased clinical vigilance for signs of iGAS, especially in children with varicella zoster, is essential.

Keywords:
Streptococcus pyogenesiGASvaricella

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