The incidence of invasive streptococci has increased sharply in Sweden in the past year. As of 17 December 2023, 1,244 cases had been recorded – which is the highest number ever recorded.
The Swedish Public Health Agency believes that the increase must be seen in light of the corona pandemic. This is written by the Swedish news agency TT, reproduced by The Express.
– This year we see a clear increase compared to before the pandemic. Due to the pandemic, we have not been exposed to as much bacterial substances as usual, neither streptococci nor other bacteria and viruses. Immunity has gotten worse and fewer get the milder infections that build up immunity, says professor of infectious diseases and state epidemiologist at the Norwegian Public Health Agency, Magnus Gisslén.
Streptococci
Streptococci are divided into three main types according to the bacterium’s ability to break down red blood cells. The three main groups are a-haemolytic, b-haemolytic and non-haemolytic streptococci.
Each main group is again divided into several subtypes, for example both group B streptococci and group A streptococci are subtypes of b-haemolytic streptococci.
Streptococci, especially group A and B, can cause infections, some of which can be very serious and fatal.
Source: The pocket doctor
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Can affect everyone
Streptococcal A infection (GAS) one of the most common causes of bacterial infection in humans.
– It can affect anyone, even if you are healthy and fast. And without medical treatment and care, the mortality rate is high, says Gisslén, adding that the mortality rate for invasive group A streptococci in Sweden is around ten percent.
For the vast majority of people, the bacterium triggers a mild infection, such as throat and ear infections, but in some cases it can lead to life-threatening illness, according to the Norwegian Lommelegen.
– Serious, invasive disease occurs most frequently in the elderly, but all age groups can be affected. Cases of serious GAS disease are mainly sporadic cases, but in rare cases you can see geographical accumulations, writes the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) on its website.
Good hand hygiene
There is currently no vaccine against streptococci. To avoid the spread of infection, common hygienic measures, such as good hand washing, cough hygiene and staying at home when you are sick, are important, according to FHI.
– Infections with streptococci, both group A and B, are treated with antibiotics, often Penicillin. The properties of the bacterium in question and the type of infection it has caused affect both the choice of antibiotic, the duration of treatment, the form in which the antibiotic is given and the dosage, writes The pocket doctor.
How long a streptococcal infection lasts depends, among other things, on the disease the bacteria has caused.
2023-12-27 07:07:30
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