School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
Vasileios Petrakis
Department of Infectious Diseases, HIV Unit, 2nd University Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, 68131 Alexandroupolis, Greece
Nicoletta Iacovidou
Neonatal Department, Aretaieio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
Rozeta Sokou
Neonatal Department, Aretaieio Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the cause of both mild and invasive infections in humans with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The transmission of disease usually occurs via droplets, so the implementation of infection mitigation strategies (IMS) during the COVID-19 pandemic altered the incidence of GAS infection. This review aims to provide an overview of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of GAS infection in children (invasive or non-invasive). A surge in the incidence of invasive GAS infection was noted in December 2022 after the reversal of IMS. A global uprise in GAS infection (invasive and non-invasive) was noted, especially concerning the pediatric population. Children younger than 5 years old were mostly affected, with complicated pneumonia being the leading clinical manifestation, causing many deaths worldwide. Emm1, specifically M1UK, was recognized as the dominant lineage in Europe and correlated with invasive disease. Healthcare professionals need to be alert about the severity of GAS-related infections, leading to early identification and treatment.
