[Focus on the outbreaks of invasive group A streptococcal disease]

Abstract

In recent years, particularly since the outbreaks of scarlet fever and invasive group A streptococcal diseases/infections (iGAS) in several European countries in 2022, iGAS has garnered widespread attention. Recently, Japan experienced an outbreak of a specific type of iGAS, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). The outbreak was reported under the label"flesh-eating bacteria,"emphasizing the pathogenic potential of group A streptococcus (GAS). Although GAS is not a newly emerging pathogen and remains susceptible to antibiotics, and guidelines exist for the diagnosis and treatment of various clinical manifestations of iGAS, systematic surveillance and research on iGAS are lacking in China. The high mortality rate associated with the STSS outbreak in Japan highlights the need for continued attention to GAS-related diseases, with a focus on emerging trends in iGAS epidemiology, as well as changes in bacterial virulence and transmission dynamics. There is a pressing need to conduct research based on domestic clinical practice to enhance iGAS diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, ultimately to safeguard public health.