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10 January 2023
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Increase in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections reported in several countries

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis is a common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in school aged children. Strep A can cause many different illnesses varying from mild infections of skin or throat to diseases such as scarlet fever and impetigo. In rare cases group A Strep can cause a severe and life-threatening infection known as invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS)1.

The number of iGAS infections among children have increased during end of year 2022 in several countries in Europe and in the United States.1,2 The increase in iGAS cases in children seems likely to be associated with the recent increased circulation of respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Coinfection of viruses with GAS may increase the risk of developing an iGAS infection.1

Child with high fever

Reducing the transmission of GAS helps to reduce the risk of iGAS infections

WHO and ECDC encourage countries for increased vigilance to iGAS cases1. Although iGAS is life-threatening, the disease is treatable with antibiotics. Early recognition, diagnosis, and correct treatment can be lifesaving. Reducing the transmission of GAS helps to also reduce the risk of iGAS infections. Prompt testing and treatment of GAS infections are of high importance.1,3

QuikRead go® Strep A is a simple and quick test for detecting Strep A

QuikRead go Strep A is a simple and fast diagnostic test for the detection of GAS from a throat swab sample. It provides an accurate and timely result in less than four minutes. The result, either positive or negative, is displayed on the instrument, thus eliminating the subjectivity associated with visual assessment of the test result. To improve the traceability of the test results, the instrument can be connected to LIS/HIS systems. QuikRead go Strep A helps to identify those patients who need treatment with antibiotics.

Read more about QuikRead go Strep A.


References:

  1. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Increase in Invasive Group A streptococcal infections among children in Europe, including fatalities. Available at: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/increase-invasive-group-streptococcal-infections-among-children-europe-including, accessed 3.1.2023.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Increase in Invasive Group A Strep Infections, 2022. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/igas-infections-investigation.html, accessed 3.1.2023.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Increase in Pediatric Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections. Available at: https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2022/han00484.asp, accessed 4.1.2023
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