***”Alarming Increase: Invasive Strep Infections on the Rise”***
The incidence of invasive group A strep infections, in which bacteria penetrate typically sterile areas of the body like the lungs or bloodstream, is surging in the United States. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, severe and potentially life-threatening cases of strep have more than doubled between 2013 and 2022. This rise comes after 17 years of stable rates prior to the increase.
Invasive group A strep, caused by the same bacteria responsible for strep throat, can lead to conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease, or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a severe immune reaction akin to sepsis resulting in organ failure. Dr. Victor Nizet, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, has warned of rapid deterioration in patients with invasive strep, with cases escalating from mild flu-like symptoms to ICU admission in a matter of hours.
Data collected from 10 states, covering a population of approximately 35 million people, revealed a rise in the incidence rate of invasive strep from 4 per 100,000 in 2013 to 8 per 100,000 by 2022. The total number of cases jumped from 1,082 to 2,759 during this period. Shockingly, the study identified over 21,000 cases of invasive strep, leading to nearly 2,000 deaths over the nine-year span.
Dr. Christopher Gregory, a researcher at the CDC, emphasized the escalating threat invasive strep poses to both the general population and vulnerable groups. The study suggests urgent actions are needed to prevent and control these infections. It also highlights potential factors contributing to the upward trend, including rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and drug use, which can compromise immunity and increase susceptibility to invasive strep.
Moreover, the study noted an increase in infections among individuals experiencing homelessness, with rates reaching alarmingly high levels. Changes in the characteristics of group A strep strains have been identified as a potential factor, leading to increased resistance to antibiotics commonly used to treat invasive strep infections.
In conclusion, the study underscores the critical need for heightened efforts in infection prevention and control to curb the growing threat of invasive strep infections in the United States.
The study found that the highest rate of infections occurred in adults aged 65 and older and increased in all adults from 2013 to 2022. However, there was no observed rise in infection rates among children. Dr. Allison Eckard, division chief for pediatric infectious diseases at the Medical University of South Carolina, expressed her surprise at this finding, noting that there has been a perceived increase in clinical cases among children.
By late 2022, children’s hospitals were reporting a significant uptick in pediatric cases of invasive strep infections. The CDC issued an alert, suggesting a potential connection to respiratory viruses like the flu, Covid, and RSV, which can predispose individuals to strep infections.
Eckard highlighted that pediatric cases have been evolving, with more severe and unusual instances, including necrotizing fasciitis, raising concerns at a national level. She emphasized the importance of further research to investigate whether certain strep strains are becoming more harmful or if severe strains are becoming more widespread.
Medical professionals emphasized the need for a group A strep vaccine, particularly in light of increasing antibiotic resistance. However, concerns were raised about the feasibility of developing such a vaccine, as key vaccine experts are leaving regulatory agencies like the FDA.
Professor Nizet expressed dismay at the lack of a strep vaccine, attributing it to changes in attitudes within the FDA and CDC that may be hindering vaccine development efforts.
