Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) causes the most diverse range of syndromes of any bacterium. Recently, there has been a resurgence of severe, invasive GAS infections despite the success of the varicella vaccine in decreasing the incidence of these infections in the pediatric population. Fortunately, advances in the management of life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have reduced mortality, but these remain devastating diseases. There continues to be significant morbidity, mortality and economic burden from invasive GAS infections and their sequelae. Advances in molecular biology have shed new light on the pathogenesis of GAS infections and have identified a number of potential vaccine targets. This review provides an overview of invasive GAS infections in children, their presentation and management, and advances in the development of a GAS vaccine.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.