What is Streptococcus pyogenes? What are the warning signs?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states Streptococcus pyogenes “This is an important bacterial pathogens specific to Humanity This can lead to a variety of manifestations, ranging from mild local infection until life-threatening invasive infection“.

According to the person World Health Organization (WHO),estimate yes bacteria They are responsible for the deaths of more than 500,000 people around the world. “In rare cases, they can cause serious invasive infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, bacteremia, septic arthritis, postpartum endometritis, or respiratory infections,” the global health entity noted.

In Japan, the last few hours National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) Reports show a worrying increase in cases of serious infections caused by Streptococcus, or Streptococcus, with 378 cases recorded in the first two months of 2024, compared to 941 cases reported in all of 2023. This sudden increase points to a record number of strep infections. Asian countries at the end of this year.

As far as Argentina is concerned, the National Epidemiological Bulletin of the Ministry of Health states: “In 2023, Argentina 926 cases Invasively infected Streptococcus pyogenesin 134 (14.4%) corresponding cases deceased. The incidence rate is 2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and the mortality rate is 2.9 cases per million inhabitants. From late 2022 to 2023, the case curve begins to be higher than in previous years.

this Streptococcus pyogenesStreptococcus, also known as group A strep, can cause illnesses ranging from mild infections to serious and, in some cases, fatal. Manifestations include the common pharyngitis and scarlet fever, which is characterized by a rash. However, its dangers don’t end there, as it can cause pneumonia and various infections of the muscles, bones or joints, such as fasciitis, osteomyelitis and arthritis, as well as blood disorders.

According to the World Health Organization, these are “gram-positive” bacteria that can cause a wide range of infections. More commonly, it produces minor illnesses such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis, which are common in school outbreaks and are not usually associated with invasive infections. Approximately one-third of invasive infections are complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. “

At the same time, the health agency notes that other serious consequences are immune-mediated diseases such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: “In summary, it can lead to fatal complications and complications. Chronic sequelae of immune-mediated diseases. ”

As far as doctors are concerned Stella Maris Cuevasotolaryngologist, odor specialist, allergist and former president of the Buenos Aires Otolaryngology Association, in a recent article databasestates: “Group A strep infection usually causes mild throat illness or scarlet fever, but with Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).Invasive forms of this bacterium can cause serious health problems, such as pneumonia, meningitis even scary necrotizing fasciitis, the mortality rate is 30%. “

“It always lives in mucous membranes such as the throat or skin. This bacterium is not usually dangerous, but it has the ability to periodically change its structure (through periodic mutations) to release toxins, in which case it becomes Aggression,” Cuevas added.

In conversation databasedoctor Santiago NemeAssociate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Director of the Medical Center at the University of Washington explained: “Group A Streptococcus is a bacterium that mainly causes infections of the skin, throat and tonsils. It is the most common bacterium that causes bacterial infections of the throat and tonsils. Compared with viruses , Bacterial throat disease should be treated with antibiotics“.

Neme says the bacterium “is also a significant cause of skin infections: people often experience symptoms of fever, redness, warmth, inflammation and pain. Early diagnosis is important because in some cases the infection can deepen and cause Severe systemic inflammation.”

Meanwhile, in 2023, during a presentation to the Colombian Pediatric Society, Dr. Laura MendozaThe bacterium “is an important pathogen worldwide that colonizes epithelial surfaces, mainly the throat and skin, but also There are others, like the vagina and rectum.”

“Approximately 18 million people have severe illness related to this bacterium, and approximately 1.78 million new cases occur each year,” Mendoza said. That is, We observe with relatively significant frequency“.

“All people worldwide are ultimately at risk of contracting this infection. One of the main reasons we are all at risk is because this pathogen colonizes the epithelial surfaces of the oropharynx and skin, and is also present on other surfaces such as the vagina and rectum Records. When it comes to this form of communication, we know how widespread it is. This is because I can find or convey This infectious agent is caused by Droplets people evicted Infected anyone colonizedor, if that fails, pass contact directly and pollutants. Eventually, food-borne contamination was also described,” Mendoza said.

He added: “For the peace of mind of many of us, Treatment options for these infections remain unchanged,it still is Penicillins. And, unlike other drugs such as macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfamethoxazole, and fluoroquinolones, for which resistance mechanisms have themselves been documented, in the case of penicillins we are only beginning to document the group of strains with “reduced susceptibility”. antibiotic. “

“Group A strep is highly contagious and spreads from one person to another primarily through: respiratory droplets (e.g., when talking, coughing, sneezing) or through direct contact (touching sores on inflamed skin, sharing objects contaminated with secretions, kissing, etc.),” says Dr. Nehm.

Meanwhile, for experts mayo clinic, “Strep can be spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by sharing food and drinks. It’s also possible to pick up the bacteria from doorknobs or other surfaces and transfer it to the nose, mouth or eyes.”

“These bacteria are spread through direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people with skin lesions,” said researchers at the New York State Department of Health. When people are sick, the risk of contagion is greaterFor example, when people have strep throat or a wound infection. Asymptomatic carriers of the bacteria are much less contagious. Treating an infected person with appropriate antibiotics for 24 hours or more can eliminate the possibility of bacterial infection.

“It is important to note that the most common cause of sore throat (pharyngitis) is viral, not bacterial. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics, therefore, their use in viral cases is contraindicated as it can lead to increased bacterial resistance, “Neme said.

At the same time, he emphasized: “Generally speaking, symptom Having strep throat two to five days later To avoid contact with bacteria.The most common symptoms include Fever, pain when swallowing, sore throat, and swollen glands in the neck. Typically, strep throat infection does not cause coughing or excessive nasal congestion or conjunctivitis. People who have not yet developed symptoms may also be contagious. “If a person develops symptoms consistent with strep throat, they should seek medical help and obtain a swab to confirm the infection, as they will need to be treated with antibiotics if confirmed.”