Pan American Health Organization issues alert to Latin America after rising cases of pharyngitis and invasive infections in Argentina

Since the end of last year, personnel development has Invasive infection by bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes -Also known as Group A Streptococcus– Argentina begins to increase. This year, 643 patients have been diagnosed, 93 of whom have died. In 2022, only 75 cases were reported.

After significant increase in cases in Argentina Pan American Health Organization issues alert This will allow health professionals and health authorities in other countries to strengthen surveillance of bacteria, conduct genomic research, and provide people with timely diagnosis and treatment.

These bacteria can cause different diseases in humans. From minor illnesses such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis to severe invasive infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, bacteremia, septic arthritis, postpartum endometritis or respiratory infections.

About, One third of invasive infections become complicated Suffering from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. This pathogen is estimated to cause more than 500,000 deaths worldwide each year.

But since last year, there has been an increase in affected people in Europe (especially children), the United States, Australia, Uruguay and Argentina. Taking into account the recent epidemiological situation in the latter, PAHO recommends that “Member States carry out clinical and genomic surveillance and ensure early diagnosis and prompt treatment of cases of group A streptococcal invasive disease”.

The health facility is located in washingtonThe United States, currently led by Brazilian doctor Jarbas Barbosa, has linked the outbreak in Argentina to the spread of new, more virulent variants of the bacteria.

“In November 2023, Argentina reported a significant increase in reports of cases and deaths due to this pathogen, with recent reports highlighting the presence in the country of the M1UK clone and the M1 sublineage harboring the SpeC toxin, which are associated with this pathogen. Increased ”, was reported in an alert statement issued over the weekend.

It is reported database November 10, Professor Mark Walker and his team at the Australian Center for Infectious Disease Research and the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Queensland universityexist Australia A warning to the world in October 2020 through a study in the journal nature communications.

Walker and colleagues discovered that a variety of bacteria Streptococcus they have obtained “Superantigen” toxins, forming a new clone. They warn that these toxins enable pathogens to better colonize the body.

Last February, the scientist warned that he had discovered a variant in his country, Australia, known asM1 UKThe virus has previously been detected in the UK and Asian countries.

Then it was reported database In August, researchers from ANLIS/Malbrand Institute of Argentina 3 isolates identified from patient samples M1 UK. They also discovered two other clones. Scientists from Argentina’s public institutions continue to monitor the spread of bacterial clones today. Streptococcus pyogenes M1-Global, M1-UK and M1-ST1319.

“At this time, people in Argentina and other countries should consider the infection Streptococcus pyogenes It can manifest as pharyngitis or a skin or soft tissue infection, and symptoms can be severe. Therefore, girls, boys, and older adults with rapidly progressive cases of skin infection or severe pain should seek immediate medical attention. “ Latin American Society for Pediatric Infection, Roberto DeBargein conversation database.

For experts, the spread of bacterial clones circulating in the country since last year is the main factor behind the increase in cases. “They have greater transmissibility,” he said.

although, Analia de CristofanoDirector of the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Buenos Aires Italian Hospital and Pediatric Committee Member Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI)commented to database: “We are in the midst of an outbreak and people should be aware of symptoms such as fever, sore throat, localized skin pain, redness or roughness of the skin. “The earlier you seek consultation, the better you can get treatment and prevent complications.” “

The bacterium commonly colonizes the pharynx and mucous membranes of humans. Transmission can occur through droplets produced by an infected person sneezing or coughing, through hand contact with nasal secretions or objects such as cutlery, or contaminated surfaces and food.

According to the national Ministry of Health, 49% of invasive infections in Argentina in 2023 occurred in people under 6 years old.

In an alert, the Pan American Health Organization recommended that in the event of invasive infections (e.g., bacteremia, necrotizing fasciitis) or toxic shock, a team of infectious disease specialists, surgeons, and intensivists is needed. Clinical team support. Treatment includes immediate intravenous antimicrobials, fluid management, and hemodynamic support.

Surgical evaluation may also be necessary if removal of necrotic tissue and other supportive measures (such as possible administration of immunoglobulin G) are required.

“The duration of antimicrobial therapy should be adjusted according to the patient’s characteristics, including the origin and clinical evolution of the infection. Patients with bacteremia should receive treatment for at least 14 days,” the health agency states.

According to the bacterium, it is important to apply doses of calendar vaccines in time to avoid other diseases that favor the invasion of this bacterium. department. There is currently no specific vaccine against Streptococcus.

The Ministry of Health says you must wash your hands frequently with soap and water and clean and ventilate all environments daily. If a person is sick, they should rest and should not go to work or school while symptoms last. They advise against self-medication.