Related Experiment Videos

Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcus Characteristics Before, During, and After COVID-19

Tsoline Kojaoghlanian1,2, Katja Anuth1, Katheryn Cireseanu1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Maimonides Children's Hospital, Brooklyn, NY, USA.

Clinical Pediatrics
|June 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections surged significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic, with as many cases in one year as in the prior 4.5 years combined. This highlights the need for continued prevention efforts for this serious childhood illness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections pose a significant threat to children.
  • The impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pediatric iGAS infections is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze trends in pediatric iGAS infections before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To characterize the clinical features and microbiological profiles of pediatric iGAS cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric iGAS cases diagnosed at an urban hospital in the Northeastern United States.
  • Comparison of infection rates, patient demographics, clinical manifestations, and isolate characteristics across three time periods: pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic.

Main Results:

  • A substantial increase in pediatric iGAS infections was observed in the post-pandemic year, equaling the total from the preceding 4.5 years.
  • The median age of infected children was lowest in the post-pandemic period (2.3 years).
  • Concurrent viral detection occurred in approximately half of cases during and after the pandemic; two-thirds of patients had no known chronic comorbidities.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric iGAS infections experienced a significant surge following the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in younger children.
  • The pathogen demonstrates potential for severe illness in otherwise healthy children.
  • Continued preventive strategies are crucial for managing iGAS disease across all age groups.

Keywords:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemicbacterial infections requiring hospitalizationemm typesinvasive Group A Streptococcuspediatric emergenciessepsisviral coinfections

Related Concept Videos

Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
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...
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...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...