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Epidemiology of severe Streptococcus pyogenes disease in Europe.

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Author

  • Theresa L Lamagni
  • Jessica Darenberg
  • Bogdan Luca
  • Tuula Siljander
  • Androulla Efstratiou
  • Birgitta Henriques-Normark
  • Jaana Vuopio-Varkila
  • Anne Bouvet
  • Roberta Creti
  • Kim Ekelund
  • Maria Koliou
  • Ralf René Reinert
  • Angeliki Stathi
  • Lenka Strakova
  • Vasilica Ungureanu
  • Claës Schalén
  • Aftab Jasir
Show all

Summary, in English

The past two decades have brought worrying increases in severe Streptococcus pyogenes diseases globally. To investigate and compare the epidemiological patterns of these diseases within Europe, data on severe S. pyogenes infections were collected through an EU FP-5 funded programme (Strep-EURO). Prospective population-based surveillance of severe S. pyogenes infection diagnosed during 2003 and 2004 was undertaken in eleven countries across Europe (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, Sweden, UK) using a standardised case definition. A total of 5522 cases of severe S. pyogenes infection were identified across the eleven countries during this period. Rates of reported infection varied, reaching 3/100,000 population in the northern European countries. Seasonal patterns of infections showed remarkable congruence between countries. Risk of infection was highest among the elderly, with rates being higher in males than females in most countries. Skin lesions/wounds were the most common predisposing factor, reported in 25% of cases; 21% had no predisposing factors reported. Skin and soft tissue was the most common focus of infection, 32% of patients having cellulitis and 8% necrotizing fasciitis. The overall 7-day case fatality rate was 19%, 44% among cases who developed streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Findings from Strep-EURO confirm a high incidence of severe S. pyogenes disease in Europe. Furthermore, these results have identified targets for public health intervention, as well as raising awareness of severe S. pyogenes disease across Europe.

Publishing year

2008

Language

English

Pages

2359-2367

Publication/Series

Journal of Clinical Microbiology

Volume

46

Issue

7

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

American Society for Microbiology

Topic

  • Microbiology in the medical area

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1098-660X