Invasive Group A Streptococcus infection in children in central Israel: 2012-2019
2Pediatric Infectious Disease Unit, Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
3Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Sheba Medical Center, Safra Children's Hospital, Tel Hashomer
4Microbiology Laboratory, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
5Government Central Laboratories, Ministry of Health
Background: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening disease in children. The past few years have witnessed a rise in invasive group A Streptococcus infections (iGASi) for unclear reasons. This study attempted to describe the epidemiology, the clinical and demographic characteristics, and the outcomes associated with iGASi in hospitalized children in central Israel
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of children aged
Results: A total of 167 patients with 206 positive cultures for GAS were identified. Hospitalizations for iGASi increased from 701 to 958 per 100,000 admissions between 2012-2015 and 2016-2019, respectively, representing an increase of 37%. The majority of the isolates were from the otolaryngologic system followed by blood, deep soft tissue, and respiratory sites. Uncomplicated mastoiditis was the most common diagnosis, followed by bacteremia. Pneumonia was the main diagnosis in the severe group (39.4%).
Conclusion: The admissions due to iGASi in children