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The Journal of Infectious Diseases May 2022The genomic features and transmission link of circulating Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains causing different disease types, such as pharyngitis and invasive disease,...
BACKGROUND
The genomic features and transmission link of circulating Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains causing different disease types, such as pharyngitis and invasive disease, are not well understood.
METHODS
We used whole-genome sequencing to characterize GAS isolates recovered from persons with pharyngitis and invasive disease in the Denver metropolitan area from June 2016 to April 2017.
RESULTS
The GAS isolates were cultured from 236 invasive and 417 pharyngitis infections. Whole-genome sequencing identified 34 emm types. Compared with pharyngitis isolates, invasive isolates were more likely to carry the erm family genes (23% vs 7.4%, P<.001), which confer resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin (including inducible resistance), and covS gene inactivation (7% vs 0.5%, P<.001). Whole-genome sequencing identified 97 genomic clusters (433 isolates; 2-65 isolates per cluster) that consisted of genomically closely related isolates (median single-nucleotide polymorphism=3 [interquartile range, 1-4] within cluster). Thirty genomic clusters (200 isolates; 31% of all isolates) contained both pharyngitis and invasive isolates and were found in 11 emm types.
CONCLUSIONS
In the Denver metropolitan population, mixed disease types were commonly seen in clusters of closely related isolates, indicative of overlapping transmission networks. Antibiotic-resistance and covS inactivation was disproportionally associated with invasive disease.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Colorado; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Genomics; Humans; Pharyngitis; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 34788828
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab565 -
Medical Gas Research 2024Postoperative sore throat is one well-recognized complication, occurring most frequently following tracheal intubation. Effective prevention of postoperative sore throat... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of adding magnesium sulfate, dexmedetomidine and ondansetron to lidocaine for gargling before laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation to prevent sore throat: a randomized clinical trial.
Postoperative sore throat is one well-recognized complication, occurring most frequently following tracheal intubation. Effective prevention of postoperative sore throat has been recognized as a top priority, bringing pleasant feelings and satisfaction to patients. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of magnesium sulfate, dexmedetomidine and ondansetron gargle with lidocaine administrated prior to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation for postoperative sore throat prevention alongside hemodynamic management. This double-blind randomized clinical trial enrolled 105 general anesthesia-administered patients who had undergone laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation, and they were equally randomized into three groups: magnesium sulfate, dexmedetomidine, and ondansetron groups. No significant intergroup difference was seen in oxygen saturation, non-invasive blood pressure, heart rate, duration of surgery, postoperative complications, analgesic consumption, and incidence of cough and hoarseness. The results showed statistically significant intergroup differences in pain scores and average pain intensity in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly lower than the other groups. Results suggest that dexmedetomidine gargle with lidocaine before general anesthesia induction could be recommended as an option depending on the patient's general condition and the anesthesiologist's discretion.
Topics: Humans; Lidocaine; Magnesium Sulfate; Dexmedetomidine; Ondansetron; Laryngoscopy; Pain; Pharyngitis; Intubation, Intratracheal
PubMed: 37929508
DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.372664 -
Central European Journal of Public... Dec 2022Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (GAS), which are responsible for most cases of acute bacterial tonsillopharyngitis, are transmitted from person to person and may...
OBJECTIVE
Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (GAS), which are responsible for most cases of acute bacterial tonsillopharyngitis, are transmitted from person to person and may rarely cause foodborne outbreaks. This study aims to report the epidemic caused by GAS in our hospital and to draw attention to the explosive outbreaks of the bacteria.
METHODS
Acute tonsillopharyngitis was seen in 201 of 450 hospital employees who ate in the hospital cafeteria on 4-5 June 2015.
RESULTS
GAS was detected in 106 (68%) of 157 cases and in 40 (63.5%) of 62 throat culture samples. The attack rate was 44.7%. The most suspected source of the outbreak was a food handler who had been showing signs of streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis for six days, and perhaps the food prepared by these staff.
CONCLUSION
It should not be forgotten that GAS can cause explosive outbreaks by infecting food through hand lesions or mouth secretions of food service personnel.
Topics: Humans; Streptococcus pyogenes; Streptococcal Infections; Pharyngitis; Disease Outbreaks; Hospitals
PubMed: 36718924
DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a6027 -
Atencion Primaria Apr 2015
Topics: Acute Disease; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Pharyngitis; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 25835134
DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2015.01.008 -
PloS One 2022Acute pharyngitis (AP) is a common reason for private primary care consultations, thus providing an avenue for widespread antibiotic intake among the community. However,...
Respiratory microorganisms in acute pharyngitis patients: Identification, antibiotic prescription patterns and appropriateness, and antibiotic resistance in private primary care, central Malaysia.
Acute pharyngitis (AP) is a common reason for private primary care consultations, thus providing an avenue for widespread antibiotic intake among the community. However, there is limited data on the antibiotic prescription appropriateness and resistance information in the Malaysian private primary care setting, therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of isolated viruses and bacteria, antibiotic resistance patterns, antibiotic prescription patterns and appropriateness by general practitioners (GPs) and factors affecting antibiotic resistance and antibiotic prescription patterns. To investigate, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 patients presenting with AP symptoms at private primary care clinics in central Malaysia from 3rd January 2016 to 30th November 2016. Throat swabs were collected from 205 AP patients for two purposes: (i) the detection of four common respiratory viruses associated with AP via reverse-transcription real-time PCR (qRT-PCR); and (ii) bacterial identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Bacterial isolates were then subjected to antibiotic susceptibility screening and McIsaac scoring was calculated post-prescription based on GP selection of criteria. Generalized estimating equations analysis with multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with presence of virus and antibiotic prescription. The results showed that 95.1% (195/205) of patients had at least one of the four viruses, with rhinovirus (88.5%) being the most prevalent, followed by adenovirus (74.9%), influenza A virus (4.6%) and enterovirus (2.1%). A total of 862 non-repetitive colonies were isolated from the culture of throat swabs from 205 patients who were positive for bacteria. From a total of 22 genera, Streptococcus constitutes the most prevalent bacteria genus (40.9%), followed by Neisseria (20%), Rothia (13.0%), Staphylococcus (11%) and Klebsiella (4.9%). Only 5 patients carried group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS). We also report the presence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus or VRSA (n = 9, 10.1%) among which one isolate is a multidrug-resistant methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MDR-MRSA), while 54.1% (n = 111) were found to carry at least one antibiotic-resistant bacteria species. Application of the McIsaac scoring system indicated that 87.8% (n = 180) of patients should not be prescribed antibiotics as the majority of AP patients in this study had viral pharyngitis. The antibiotic prescription appropriateness by applying post-prescription McIsaac scoring was able to rule out GABHS pharyngitis in this sample with a GABHS culture-positive sensitivity of 40% (n = 2/5) and specificity of 90% (180/200). In conclusion, antibiotic-resistant throat isolates and over-prescription of antibiotics were observed and McIsaac scoring system is effective in guiding GPs to determine occurrences of viral pharyngitis to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescription.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cross-Sectional Studies; Malaysia; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Pharyngitis; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Prescriptions; Streptococcus; Bacteria; Viruses; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 36395327
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277802 -
PloS One 2020Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis has traditionally been considered the sole precursor of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Evidence from Australia, however, suggests... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis has traditionally been considered the sole precursor of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Evidence from Australia, however, suggests that GAS skin infections may contribute to the pathogenesis of ARF. A missing piece of evidence is the incidence of sore throat and GAS pharyngitis in this setting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of sore throat and GAS pharyngitis in all children at risk of developing ARF.
METHODS
Databases were systematically searched for studies reporting on the incidence of pharyngitis among children from low to upper-middle income countries, and Indigenous children living in high-income countries. Studies were subjected to data extraction by two independent reviewers. Following an assessment of the methodological quality of the studies, we extracted incidence rates (IRs) and conducted a meta-analysis. This systematic review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019113019).
RESULTS
From 607 titles identified by the search, 11 articles met the predetermined inclusion criteria; ten studies reported IRs while for the remaining study, the incidence was calculated. The pooled incidence estimated for sore throat was 82.5 per 100 child-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.5 to 1044.4 per 100 child-years, I2 = 100%) and GAS pharyngitis was 10.8 per 100 child-years (95% CI, 2.3 to 50.0 per 100 child-years, I2 = 99.9%).
CONCLUSIONS
The pooled IRs for sore throat in children at risk of developing ARF were higher than rates reported in developed nations (32.70-40 per 100 child-years) and similar for GAS pharyngitis (12.8-14 per 100 years). The limited Australian data lend support to the need for further studies to inform the role of GAS pharyngitis in the development of ARF in Australian Indigenous children, so as to inform local primary prevention strategies for ARF and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Male; Pharyngitis; Rheumatic Fever
PubMed: 33206687
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242107 -
The Lancet. Microbe Jul 2021Streptococcus pyogenes is a leading cause of infection-related morbidity and mortality. A reinvigorated vaccine development effort calls for new clinically relevant... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Streptococcus pyogenes is a leading cause of infection-related morbidity and mortality. A reinvigorated vaccine development effort calls for new clinically relevant human S pyogenes experimental infection models to support proof of concept evaluation of candidate vaccines. We describe the initial Controlled Human Infection for Vaccination Against S pyogenes (CHIVAS-M75) study, in which we aimed to identify a dose of emm75 S pyogenes that causes acute pharyngitis in at least 60% of volunteers when applied to the pharynx by swab.
METHODS
This observational, dose-finding study was done in a clinical trials facility in Melbourne (VIC, Australia). Groups of healthy volunteers aged 18-40 years, at low risk of complicated S pyogenes disease, and without high type-specific anti-emm75 IgG antibodies against the challenge strain were challenged and closely monitored as inpatients for up to 6 days, and then as outpatients for 6 months. Antibiotics were started upon diagnosis (clinical signs and symptoms of pharyngitis and a positive rapid molecular test) or after 5 days in those without pharyngitis. Rapid test results were confirmed by standard bacterial culture. After a sentinel participant, cohorts of five and then ten participants were challenged, with protocol-directed dose-escalation or de-escalation for subsequent cohorts. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants at each dose level with pharyngitis by day 5 after challenge. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03361163.
FINDINGS
Between July 10, 2018, and Sept 23, 2019, 25 healthy adults were challenged with emm75 S pyogenes and included in analyses. Pharyngitis was diagnosed in 17 (85%; 95% CI 62-97) of 20 participants at the starting dose level (1-3 × 10 colony-forming units [CFU]/mL). This high proportion prompted dose de-escalation. At the lower dose level (1-3 × 10 CFU/mL), pharyngitis was diagnosed in one of five participants. Immunological, biochemical, and microbiological results supported the clinical picture, with acute symptomatic pharyngitis characterised by pharyngeal colonisation by S pyogenes accompanied by significantly elevated C-reactive protein and inflammatory cytokines (eg, interferon-γ and interleukin-6), and modest serological responses to streptolysin O and deoxyribonuclease B. There were no severe (grade 3) or serious adverse events related to challenge.
INTERPRETATION
We have established a reliable pharyngitis human infection model with reassuring early safety findings to accelerate development of vaccines and other interventions to control disease due to S pyogenes.
FUNDING
Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
Topics: Adult; Australia; Humans; Pharyngitis; Pharynx; Scarlet Fever; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 35544165
DOI: 10.1016/S2666-5247(20)30240-8 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jul 2019The human oral-nasal mucosa is the primary reservoir for infections. Although the most common infection of consequence in temperate climates is pharyngitis, the past 25... (Review)
Review
The human oral-nasal mucosa is the primary reservoir for infections. Although the most common infection of consequence in temperate climates is pharyngitis, the past 25 years have witnessed a dramatic increase in invasive disease in many regions of the world. Historically, has been associated with sepsis and fulminate systemic infections, but the mechanism by which these streptococci traverse mucosal or epidermal barriers is not understood. The discovery that can be internalized by mammalian epithelial cells at high frequencies (1-3) and/or open tight junctions to pass between cells (4) provides potential explanations for changes in epidemiology and the ability of this species to breach such barriers. In this article, the invasins and pathways that uses to reach the intracellular state are reviewed, and the relationship between intracellular invasion and human disease is discussed.
Topics: Animals; Cytoplasm; Humans; Pharyngitis; Receptors, Cell Surface; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 31267891
DOI: 10.1128/microbiolspec.GPP3-0049-2018 -
American Family Physician Apr 2018Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus can cause several postinfectious, nonsuppurative immune- mediated diseases including acute rheumatic fever, poststreptococcal...
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus can cause several postinfectious, nonsuppurative immune- mediated diseases including acute rheumatic fever, poststreptococcal reactive arthritis, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders, and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Except for sporadic outbreaks, poststreptococcal autoimmune syndromes occur most commonly in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand. Children younger than three years are rarely affected by group A streptococcus pharyngitis or rheumatic fever, and usually do not require testing. Rheumatic fever is a rare condition that presents as a febrile illness characterized by arthritis, carditis or valvulitis, and neurologic and cutaneous disease, followed many years later by acquired valvular disease. Recurrence rates are high. In addition to evidence of recent streptococcal infection, two major or one major and two minor Jones criteria are required for diagnosis. Electrocardiography, chest radiography, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and an antistreptolysin O titer are the most useful initial tests. Echocardiography is recommended to identify patients with subclinical carditis. The arthritis usually responds within three days to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis is nonmigratory, can affect any joint, and typically does not respond to aspirin. Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders affect the basal ganglia and are manifested by obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders. The presentation of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis ranges from asymptomatic microscopic hematuria to gross hematuria, edema, hypertension, proteinuria, and elevated serum creatinine levels.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antibodies; Autoimmune Diseases; Child; Diagnosis, Differential; Echocardiography; Female; Humans; Nervous System Diseases; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Patient Care Management; Pharyngitis; Recurrence; Rheumatic Fever; Rheumatic Heart Disease; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pyogenes
PubMed: 29671499
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022Sore throat is a common reason for overuse of antibiotics. The value of inflammatory or biomarkers in throat swab or saliva samples in predicting benefit from...
INTRODUCTION
Sore throat is a common reason for overuse of antibiotics. The value of inflammatory or biomarkers in throat swab or saliva samples in predicting benefit from antibiotics is unknown.
METHODS
We used the 'person-based approach' to develop an online tool to support self-swabbing and recruited adults and children with sore throats through participating general practices and social media. Participants took bacterial and viral swabs and a saliva sponge swab and passive drool sample. Bacterial swabs were cultured for streptococcus (Group A, B, C, F and G). The viral swab and saliva samples were tested using a routine respiratory panel PCR and Covid-19 PCR testing. We used remaining viral swab and saliva sample volume for biomarker analysis using a panel of 13 biomarkers.
RESULTS
We recruited 11 asymptomatic participants and 45 symptomatic participants. From 45 symptomatic participants, bacterial throat swab, viral throat swab, saliva sponge and saliva drool samples were returned by 41/45 (91.1%), 43/45 (95.6%), 43/45 (95.6%) and 43/45 (95.6%) participants respectively. Three saliva sponge and 6 saliva drool samples were of insufficient quantity. Two adult participants had positive bacterial swabs. Six participants had a virus detected from at least one sample (swab or saliva). All of the biomarkers assessed were detectable from all samples where there was sufficient volume for testing. For most biomarkers we found higher concentrations in the saliva samples. Due to low numbers, we were not able to compare biomarker concentrations in those who did and did not have a bacterial pathogen detected. We found no evidence of a difference between biomarker concentrations between the symptomatic and asymptomatic participants but the distributions were wide.
CONCLUSIONS
We have demonstrated that it is feasible for patients with sore throat to self-swab and provide saliva samples for pathogen and biomarker analysis. Typical bacterial and viral pathogens were detected but at low prevalence rates. Further work is needed to determine if measuring biomarkers using oropharyngeal samples can help to differentiate between viral and bacterial pathogens in patients classified as medium or high risk using clinical scores, in order to better guide antibiotic prescribing and reduce inappropriate prescriptions.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Feasibility Studies; COVID-19; Pharyngitis; Streptococcus pyogenes; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biomarkers
PubMed: 36275691
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016181