Prospective surveillance of pediatric invasive group A Streptococcus infection

Abstract

Background. Invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) disease has an incidence in high-income countries of 3 to 5 per 100 000 per annum and a case-fatality ratio of 10% to 15%. Although these rates are comparable to those of invasive meningococcal disease in Australia before vaccine introduction, invasive GAS disease currently requires reporting in only 2 jurisdictions. Methods. Data were collected prospectively through active surveillance at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne (October 2014 to September 2016). Isolation of GAS from a sterile site was required for inclusion. Comprehensive demographic and clinical data were collected, and emm typing was performed on all isolates. Disease was ..