Be wary of superbugs: Streptococcus pyogenes outbreak has killed 64 people in the country

bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes -Also known as Group A Streptococcus They can cause minor infections to very serious illness. serious and fatal.may result in pharyngitiswhen accompanied by rash, will become “scarlet fever”. Or it could lead to pneumonialocalized infections of muscles, bones, or joints (called fasciitis, osteomyelitis, and arthritis), and Infection spreads in the blood.

This year, Argentina experienced a Outbreak of cases of bacterial invasive infections Streptococcus pyogeneswhich affects boys and girls more.

he last year They only registered 75 cases nationwide. For this year’s data, the national health ministry’s weekly epidemiological bulletin last month did not update on new infections caused by the bacteria. However, the Ministry of Public Health in Salta province, which recorded the last two deaths, said the country had been notified. 382 cases arrive National Health Surveillance System,it depends Ministry of Health. This represents an increase of more than 409%.

Of the total 382 confirmed cases, 64 patients died in the country in 2023.This data is provided by Ministry of Public Health Province Jump.within the jurisdiction of the north Argentina Seven people have been invasively infected by the bacteria. 80% are patients under 9 years old, most of whom are girls. Two of the 64 deaths occurred there.

in the province Pampa, 10 cases have been reported. Among them, 4 are over 65 years old. Another four cases are under 10 years old. Two patients died. One of them was over 65 years old and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“It can be said that this year, there has been an outbreak of invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in the country. Although it is likely that in previous years There is already one Cases underreported“, he explained Javier Farina Informationinfectious disease doctor, infection-related committee member of the Health Care Committee Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI).

Advances in Bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes This is not only happening in Argentina. December 8, World Health Organization (WHO) At least five member states in the European region – France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – have reported increases in cases, the report said.

At the time, health agencies said the increase in cases may reflect an earlier start to the season, along with an increased risk of respiratory virus transmission and viral coinfections. It is thought that co-infections may increase the risk of invasive streptococcal disease.

A few days later, on December 19, 2022, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Warning of increase in cases in Uruguay.

as There is currently no vaccine against this bacteria.In March last year, the World Health Organization explained that Streptococcus pyogenes

has been identified as one of the important pathogens that should be given more attention in terms of immunization.

In July last year, Argentina’s national health department also warned that the outbreak would mainly affect the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Chubut and Tierra del Fuego.

Then it was reported databasea scientist at the institute Andres/Malbrand They found three isolates from patient samples containing highly virulent M1UK bacterial clones.it’s a clone Rapidly expand to other countries and is associated with increased cases of scarlet fever and invasive infections. This clone corresponds to a new lineage of pandemic strain M1T1 (M1global).

ANLIS/Malbrán researchers also identified a group of seven isolates Streptococcus pyogenes The M1 gene is closely related. The expert group clarified in the latest epidemiological bulletin from the Ministry of Health that the organization obtained “a mobile genetic element encoding the superantigenic toxin SpeC.”

he Streptococcus pyogenes It’s “a common bacterium that causes pharyngitis. But it can also cause invasive infections of the skin and other organs. It tends to affect children, the elderly and people with compromised defenses more,” Farina said.

Commonly used antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin may be used for treatment. Within 24 hours of taking antibiotics, the pathogen’s ability to spread to others is usually eliminated.

Experts consulted said: “It is important to detect symptoms, consult a doctor and get an early diagnosis to reduce the chance of complications.” database.

Doctors say that when children develop invasive disease, they often show signs of weakness, in some cases persistent fever and worsening of the initial infection (for example, pneumonia worsened by difficulty breathing). Paola della lata

pediatric infectious diseases german hospital From Buenos Aires.

spread of bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes It occurs through close contact with an infected person and can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact with wounds.

The incubation period of the disease varies from 1 to 3 days depending on the clinical manifestations. Infected people must remain in isolation until the infectious period is over.

When some of these symptoms occur, it is important to Avoid self-medication with antibiotics Get medical consultation for prompt diagnosis, according to the state health department.

As a precautionary measure for patients and close contacts, SadieIt is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene and frequent hand hygiene, cover wounds with sterile waterproof dressings, and maintain good environmental hygiene, including cleaning toys, bathrooms, and carpets.