recently,”Flesh-eating bacteria“This refers to a disease that can occur in conjunction with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which is widespread in Japan.”
According to media reports, the country Over 1,000 cases The number of STSS cases in the first six months of 2024 will exceed the total for all of 2023. However, these cases have not yet been published in peer-reviewed journals, so the reports may not be completely accurate.
What causes STSS? Streptococcus pyogenes The bacteria, or “Strep A.” These bacteria are very common, but certain strains can cause a more serious illness called invasive Group A Streptococcus infection.
After 2022, in many countries, Australia, Americaand country In Europenoted an increase in serious invasive group A streptococcal infections. This surge was due to: Group A streptococcal infections.
So what is STSS, why is it on the rise now, and should you be concerned?
Who receives STSS?
anytime, Many people Strep A “colons” and the bacteria lives harmlessly in the throat and on the skin.
Streptococcus A also causes sore throats (“strep throat”) and skin infections. For reasons that are not yet fully understood, Streptococcus A can also cause invasive infections such as pneumonia, nasty “flesh-eating” skin infections, and STSS. As such, Streptococcus A is an important cause of sepsis, a term that broadly describes life-threatening infections.
STSS is the most serious type of group A streptococcal infection, but fortunately it is very rare, affecting mainly young children and adults. senior citizen However, cases occur at all ages, including during pregnancy. High riskThis includes immediately after birth.
What are the symptoms?
in S.S.T.S.The bacteria produce toxins that can trigger an overwhelming immune response in some people.
The disease can become life-threatening within hours and has a high mortality rate. Up to 40 percent Of people who develop STSS, 100% die.
However, early signs and symptoms of STSS can overlap with common viral illnesses, especially in children, making diagnosis difficult.
Symptoms of early invasive group A streptococcal infection are vague, including fever, rash, and nausea. However, it is important to be aware of the following: Signs of SepsisThis suggests that something more serious may be going on.
Signs of more severe invasive group A streptococcal infections, including STSS, are similar to those seen in other bacterial causes of sepsis (such as meningococcal infection), including lethargy (drowsiness), rapid breathing, a rapidly changing rash, muscle pain, and confusion.
STSS can occur at the same time as a condition called necrotizing fasciitis, which is caused by Streptococcus A. This is the “flesh-eating” symptom of the infection, a condition in which skin cells die in response to toxins produced by the bacteria.
Parents of young children, trust your instincts: if you worry your child seems sicker than usual, especially if they develop cold hands and feet, a red rash (like a sunburn) or seem unresponsive, seek medical attention immediately at the nearest emergency room.
Why now?
According to the study: More virulent strains The prevalence of Strep A may be contributing to the current surge in STSS.
Also, during the peak of the COVID pandemic in 2020-2021, close contact between people decreased, which similarly reduced exposure to group A streptococcus (and other bacteria and viruses), especially for young children. Building partial protection Protection against serious group A streptococcal infections that occur with repeated exposure.
Increased person-to-person contact in 2022 and beyond has led to increased transmission of Group A Streptococcus infections, putting children at higher risk of developing more severe illness, including STSS.
This is not unique to Japan, where, although rare, there are many cases of STSS. In Australia others.
How is STSS treated and can it be prevented?
Streptococcus A can be killed by penicillin, one of the oldest and most widely used antibiotics. If STSS is diagnosed early, antibiotics can prevent most of the serious complications.
Other drugs such as immunoglobulins may be needed to put the brakes on the out-of-control immune response, and patients often require support in intensive care units.
There is no vaccine to prevent STSS or other streptococcal A infections (unlike those caused by bacteria such as meningococcus and pneumococcus). National Childhood Immunization Programme).
Researchers in Australia and around the world Vaccine to prevent Streptococcus A Infection.
Serious streptococcal A infections such as STSS often occur secondary to viral infections. chicken pox and influenzakeeping vaccines up to date National Schedule Make sure you get your seasonal influenza vaccine (including chickenpox). Mitigate the risks.
Group A Streptococcus can be transmitted through large respiratory droplets or through direct contact with an infected or carrier person. Hygiene measures Reduce the amount of Group A Strep circulating in the community (by washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing, etc.).
Planning a trip to Japan? No need to cancel your vacation
STSS is a rare but serious complication of A streptococcal infection that can occur in humans anywhere, so unless you’re trekking alone to the Antarctic, your risk of contracting a serious infection is about the same as STSS (and very low).
Be sure to get your vaccinations up to date, including the seasonal flu vaccine, always practice good hand hygiene, and be aware of signs of serious bacterial infections that require urgent medical treatment.
Phoebe WilliamsPaediatrician, infectious disease specialist, Senior Lecturer in Medicine, NHMRC Fellow, University of Sydney; Joshua OsowickiTeam leader, researcher, pediatric infectious disease specialist, Murdoch Children’s Research Instituteand Yara Natalie AboGeneral Pediatrician and Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist, PhD Candidate, Clinical Vaccine Trial Leader, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
This article is reprinted from conversation Published under a Creative Commons license. Original Article.