What are group A streptococci?

A streptococci or group A streptococci (GAS) are different strains of the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. Group A streptococci are very widespread pathogens. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), most people are asymptomatic with them, but an infection with certain A streptococci can also cause various clinical pictures, especially in children (see below).

How is group A streptococci transmitted?

Respiratory infections caused by group A streptococci According to the RKI, they are transmitted through direct or indirect contact between people, less frequently through droplets and aerosols containing pathogens and rarely through contaminated food and water. Skin infections are transmitted through direct contact with an infected person.

What are the symptoms of a streptococcal infection?

Group A streptococci are often responsible for infections of the upper respiratory tract. They can then cause inflammation of the throat, tonsils or sinuses, or an inflammation of the middle ear. Bacteria that cause scarlet fever also belong to the A streptococci (see below). According to the RKI, sore throats caused by A streptococci are among the most common bacterial diseases in childhood. Most diseases occur in children between the ages of six and twelve, but outbreaks are possible in all age groups. The number of sore throats caused by streptococci is estimated at one to one and a half million per year in Germany. In addition, the pathogens can also trigger wound inflammation, inflammation of the skin and soft tissue, and blood poisoning.

Strep and Scarlet Fever: What’s the Difference?

Scarlet fever is a disease caused by different types of group A streptococci. In addition to a sore throat, scarlet fever can occur with chills and vomiting and there is a typical skin rash. Not all types of streptococci cause scarlet fever, but the cause of scarlet fever is always group A streptococci.

How dangerous is a streptococcal infection?

In most cases, streptococcal infections can be treated well with antibiotics (see below) or go away on their own. In rare cases, complications can also occur. A particularly large number of A streptococci infections are currently being reported from Great Britain. So far, 15 children and adolescents under the age of 15 are said to have died (as of December 9th), according to the British health authority UKHSA (UK Health Security Agency).

What is the reason for the difficult courses in England?

A severe wave of infections with group A streptococci is observed in Great Britain. As a result, more severe courses are to be expected, which normally occur rarely. There is currently an increase in infectious diseases worldwide, especially among children. Experts believe that this is a Late consequence of the Corona measures is.

As is currently being seen with the flu, the lack of contact among children may have led to a drop in immunity across the population, Simon Clarke, a microbiologist at the University of Reading, told the Science Media Center. This could now lead to more infections with group A streptococci, especially in school children.

Which antibiotics are effective against group A streptococci?

According to the RKI, antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin and ampicillin are the drugs of choice for an infection with A streptococci. Therapy with antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins or with is also possible. No resistances in Streptococcus pyogenes are known worldwide against any of these antibiotics, which belong to the group of β-lactams.