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  • Title: Group A streptococcal bacteraemia at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne: concern of an under-reported risk group in Australia.
    Author: Attwood LO, Spelman D.
    Journal: Intern Med J; 2021 Apr; 51(4):565-570. PubMed ID: 32092233.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections are increasing worldwide with at-risk groups being children, pregnant women and the elderly. In 2017, there was a rise in iGAS cases in Victoria, prompting a Chief Health Officer advisory. AIMS: To describe the characteristics of patients with GAS bacteraemia admitted to a tertiary hospital. To compare at-risk groups in our population with those identified in the Victorian Government health alert. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with GAS bacteraemia admitted between June 2014 and December 2017 at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Victoria. RESULTS: Forty-three cases of GAS bacteraemia occurred. Average age was 52 years (range 15-88 years) with 63% male. Average length of stay was 14 days (range 0-72 days) and all-cause mortality occurred in two (5%) cases. Twelve (28%) patients presented with shock, 11 (26%) required intensive care unit admission and 13 (30%) surgical intervention. A history of intravenous drug use was documented in 18 (42%) cases and was commonly complicated by bone or joint involvement or thrombosis. Typing of GAS samples identified 22 different emm-types. CONCLUSION: GAS bacteraemia resulted in significant morbidity and prolonged hospitalisation. In contrast to the at-risk groups identified in the Victorian Government health advisory, the commonest risk group in this series were people who inject drugs and most commonly middle-aged men. Invasive GAS should be considered if a person who injects drugs presents with acute severe sepsis.
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