Group A Streptococcus: infections are increasing in Europe, especially in children

Since last December who (World Health Organization) ed Ecdc (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control) have reported a increase in cases of Group A Streptococcus in some European countries (including Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom), particularly in children under ten. Let’s see what it is, what are the symptoms and tests available for its identification.

How the infection occurs

First of all, Streptococcus is a family of bacteria of which there are several groups. The one belonging to group A (abbreviated as Gas, Group A Streptococcus) constitutes the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in school-age children. Gas is commonly found on our skin and on our internal mucous membranes and becomes the cause of infections only under certain circumstances, such as when it comes into contact with our blood through a wound, or when other diseases weaken our immune defences, allowing this pathogen to overwhelm them. Acute infection can also occur through direct contact with the mucus or saliva of infected individuals.

What are the symptoms and how to treat them

THE symptoms of the infection may include sore throat, headache, fever and mild reddish skin rashes (known, the latter, as scarlet fever). Rarely the gas infection can get worse in the form so-called “invasive” (abbreviated as the gas) and manifest as a blood infection (bacteraemia), pneumonia, skin or bone infection. Andrea Ammon, director of the ECDC, points out That “iGAS cases can be handled easily if detected in a timely manner”.

Being abacterial infectionthis can be cured through the administration of antibiotics, which must be prescribed by the family doctor or pediatrician. However, it is important to point out that in most cases, sore throats are of viral originso it is necessary wait for the outcome of the specific test before starting antibiotic treatment (which is not needed, except in special cases evaluated by the doctor, to treat viral infections).

How to swab

Streptococcus A infection is diagnosed by performing a throat swab and subsequent bacterial culture. There are also special ones quick tests detectors that you can buy at the pharmacy. Especially in the case of children, however, it is always advisable to contact your doctor or pediatrician and proceed according to their indications.

Given that the co-occurrence of other infections increases the risk of developing serious disease, health institutions continue to emphasize theimportance of vaccinations against seasonal viruses such as influenza and against Covid-19. They also continue to apply general hygiene rulessuch as regularly ventilating the rooms and washing or sanitizing your hands frequently.