Attribution of invasive group A streptococcal infections (iGAS) to predisposing viral infections, the Netherlands, 2010 to 2023

Abstract

Background After most COVID-19 pandemic control measures were lifted in 2022, many infectious diseases re-emerged. An increase in invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections among adults and young children was reported by several countries. Viral infections including influenza and varicella, known risk factors for iGAS infection, also increased. Aim To estimate the proportion of GAS skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) and pneumonia/sepsis in children (≤ 5 years) attributable to varicella, and the proportion of GAS pneumonia/sepsis in children and adults attributable to potentially predisposing respiratory viruses influenza A and B, RSV, hMPV and SARS-CoV-2 in the Netherlands. Methods We performed time series regression using weekly data on respiratory viruses, varicella and non-invasive GAS infections and GAS isolates cultured from blood, lower airways, skin, pus and wounds, from January 2010 to March 2023. Results In 2010–19, 50% (95% CI: 36–64) of GAS SSTI in children were attributable to varicella. Between January 2022 and March 2023, 34% (95% CI: 24–43) of GAS SSTI cases were attributable to varicella. Of iGAS pneumonia/sepsis between January 2022 and March 2023, 34% (95% CI: 20–49) and 25% (95% CI: 18–32) was attributable to respiratory virus infections in children and adults, respectively, with the largest contributor (17%) being influenza A. Conclusions Predisposing viral infections likely contributed to, but cannot fully explain, the observed iGAS increase among children and adults in 2022–23 in the Netherlands. Public health measures to control viral infections, such as vaccination against varicella or influenza, might reduce the iGAS disease burden.