Rising Infection Rates and Impact
Invasive group A strep infections have more than doubled from 2013 to 2022, with the rate rising from 4 to 8 per 100,000 people, totaling over 21,000 cases and nearly 2,000 deaths in the study period.
This severe form of strep, affecting normally sterile areas of the body, leads to complications like necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, causing rapid deterioration in patients.
Contributing Factors and Responses
Factors such as rising obesity and diabetes rates, increased IV drug use, and homelessness have been identified as contributors to the increased vulnerability to invasive strep infections.
The study calls for accelerated efforts in prevention and control, highlighting the need for a vaccine against group A strep infections due to growing antibiotic resistance, despite challenges in vaccine development.