Japan Group A Streptococcus Alert: What is the ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ and why it’s a concern

Is this a new bacterium?

This type of group A Streptococcus is not new, but recently there has been growing concern about its rapid spread, and no country is safe. “Because it’s an infectious agent, The chance of spreading is highGilliam explained. “This number has been increasing since 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Countries such as France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland have seen an increase in cases

Invasive disease caused by group A streptococci and scarlet fever. Similarly, in addition to Japan, the United States has also sounded the alarm recently.

Invasive and noninvasive group A streptococcal infections

Group A strep infections can be classified as invasive or non-invasive depending on location and severity.

non-invasive infection

Invasive infection

• Peritonsillar abscess.
  
• Myositis.
  
• Septic arthritis.
  
• necrotizing fasciitis.
  
• meningitis.
  
• Bacteremia.
  
• Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

How it spreads and what symptoms it causes

The routes of transmission of group A Streptococcus have not yet been fully elucidated, but are known It is spread through sneezing (small droplets), coughing, or contact with wounds.

Experts say that once bacteria enter the body, “Penetrate deep into internal tissues and blood, it can affect any organ or muscle and produce different symptoms. ” These are some of the most prominent symptoms that may occur:

Other symptoms associated with a cold attack can lead to strep throat, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and meningitis, depending on how the strep enters the body. In addition, symptoms related to the underlying infection, such as mastitis, osteomyelitis, and necrotizing fasciitis (called “mastitis”), may occur. carnivore) or pneumonia. In severe cases, it can lead to multiple organ failure or even death..

This bacterium has The mortality rate for patients with the disease is 30%. “Intensive medical care for those affected must be provided under medical supervision and administration of antibiotics and other medications,” Gilliam stressed.

Why do people say “flesh-eating bacteria”?

No such bacteria exist Devourer Literally meat, but some people get this nickname because of their potential to cause The wound gives the feeling of flesh being eaten. Group A Streptococcus is the most common cause of this type of tissue death, called necrotizing fasciitis.This necrotic and streptococcal toxic shock is the most severe form of invasive disease due to Streptococcus pyogenes.

Who is most at risk

Anyone can get this strep infection, but data in recent years shows that The condition is more common in people aged 30 or older.. Particular attention should be paid to the most vulnerable groups, namely patients over 65 years of age and those with medical conditions that predispose them to more serious consequences, such as diabetes.

Group A Streptococcus Preventive Measures

Experts from European universities recommend “Maintain hand hygiene and avoid crowded places If necessary, wear a mask. ” In this sense, he stressed that when it comes to diseases that can be transmitted through the air, “the surgical masks or FPP2 masks used during the epidemic are an important filter to protect us from possible infections. ” On the other hand, consider that there’s no harm in carrying a hydroalcoholic solution around, it can help when “we can’t wash our hands effectively.”

As a general suggestion, Guillem remembers that “Stay active with a healthy lifestyle

“It will strengthen our defenses and help our immune systems tremendously.”