Japan alerts to rare Streptococcus strain causing toxic shock

this Group A Streptococcus is a type of bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes, can cause a variety of infections, from minor skin and throat ailments to severe invasive infections. These bacteria are capable of producing a range of toxins and enzymes that allow them to invade tissues and evade the host’s immune system. Group A strep infections can include strep throat, impetigo, and scarlet fever, and in more severe cases, they can cause invasive infections such as necrotizing fasciitis and Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (SSTE).

Now The alarm has been sounded in Japan Japanese health authorities have seen an increase in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome infections, with 941 cases recorded since last year and 378 cases detected in the first two months of 2024. This unusual increase has been attributed to circulating rare, very virulent Strong strains, raising fears that infections will reach record levels by the end of the year.

This is not the first alarming outbreak of this type of infection.In fact, in December 2022, the UK issued an alert following a rise in infections Streptococcus pyogenes Very rare. The syndrome has a mortality rate of up to 30% and usually affects adults.

While those most at risk are usually the elderly, the Group A strain has caused an increase in deaths in patients under 50, with 65 patients under 50 diagnosed with toxic shock between July and December, according to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases In 2023, about one-third died.

Currently, Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases has not been able to find a cause for the increase in cases, although the number of patients diagnosed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, so perhaps the measures taken at that time The abandonment of restrictive measures has facilitated its spread. “There are still many unknowns about the mechanisms behind fulminant, severe, and emergent streptococci, and we have not yet reached the stage where we can explain them,” they report.

Symptoms and prevention of streptococcal toxic shock

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious and life-threatening disease that occurs when bacteria produce toxins Streptococcus pyogenes enters the blood circulation and causes massive inflammatory response Systemically, it can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, leading to shock and multiple organ failure.

this Symptoms of strep toxic shock syndrome May include:

• Sudden high fever.
• Chills all over.
• Hypotension (low blood pressure).
• A rash that may resemble a sunburn.
• Intense muscle pain.
• Vomiting or diarrhea.
• Confusion or disorientation.
• Kidney or other organ failure due to poor circulation.

Speed ​​of diagnosis and treatment is key to patient survival, and treatment often includes broad-spectrum antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection, as well as supportive measures to maintain blood pressure and organ function while the body recovers.

this prevention The focus of Group A strep infection is proper personal hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with infected people. In the case of a skin infection, it is important to keep the wound clean and covered to prevent the spread of bacteria.