Invasive group A Streptococcus disease in Australian children: 2016 to 2018 – a descriptive cohort study

Abstract

ObjectivesInvasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease is serious and sometimes life-threatening. The Paediatric Active Enhanced Disease Surveillance (PAEDS) Network collects voluntary notifications from seven major Australian paediatric hospitals on patients with certain conditions, including iGAS disease. Our aims were to: 1) Describe the epidemiological distribution of paediatric iGAS disease in Australia and correlate this with influenza notifications, 2) Identify GAS strains commonly associated with invasive disease in children.MethodsIGAS and influenza notification data were obtained (from the PAEDS Network and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, respectively, for the period 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2018). Included iGAS patients had GAS isolated from a normally sterile body site. Data were described according to selected clinical and demographic characteristics, including by age group and Australian State, with proportions and minimum incidence rates estimated.ResultsA total of 181 patients were identified, with most (115, 63.5%) <5 years old. The mean annual minimum incidence rate was 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–2.3) per 100,000 children across the study period. An epidemiological correlation with the seasonal burden of influenza was noted. Contact prophylaxis was not consistently offered. Of 96 patients with emm-typing results available, 72.9% showed emm-1, −4 or − 12.ConclusionsRobust surveillance systems and cohesive patient management guidelines are needed. Making iGAS disease nationally notifiable would help facilitate this. Influenza vaccination may contribute to reducing seasonal increases in iGAS incidence. The burden of disease emphasises the need for ongoing progress in GAS vaccine development.

A model of population dynamics with complex household structure and mobility: implications for transmission and control of communicable diseases

“…Due to this increased risk, households are often the focus of infectious disease control strategies. For example, household contacts of invasive Group A Streptococcus cases are estimated to have a 2,000-fold increased risk of developing the disease themselves (Oliver et al, 2019). For Meningococcal disease, the equivalent increase in risk is estimated to be between 500-800-times (De Wals et al, 1981).…”

“…For Meningococcal disease, the equivalent increase in risk is estimated to be between 500-800-times (De Wals et al, 1981). As such, prophylaxis of household contacts of cases for both of these infectious diseases is recommended to prevent further spread (Oliver et al, 2019;De Wals et al, 1981).…”

A model of population dynamics with complex household structure and mobility: implications for transmission and control of communicable diseases

“…For Meningococcal disease, the equivalent increase in risk is estimated to be between 500-800-times (De Wals et al (1981)). As such, prophylaxis of household contacts of cases for both of these infectious diseases is recommended to prevent further spread (Oliver et al (2019); De Wals et al (1981)).…”

“…Due to this increased risk, households are often the focus of infectious disease control strategies. For example, household contacts of invasive Group A Streptococcus cases are estimated to have a 2000-fold increased risk of developing the disease themselves (Oliver et al (2019)). For Meningococcal disease, the equivalent increase in risk is estimated to be between 500–800-times (De Wals et al (1981)).…”

Correction to: Invasive group A Streptococcus disease in Australian children: 2016 to 2018 – a descriptive cohort study

“…It was highlighted that the original article [ 1 ] contained an error in rates in the section “Annualised minimum incidence rate of paediatric iGAS disease”. This Correction article shows the incorrect and correct sentence.…”