Invasive diseases due to Streptococcus pyogenes in the pediatric population. Clinical-molecular characterization 2014-2020

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes (EGA) is an agent of invasive disease (ID); its high morbidity and mortality requires epidemiological surveillance. Aim: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children hospitalized with ID due to GAS in a reference center in Uruguay from January 1-2014 to December 31-2020, including a study of virulence factors. Methods: Descriptive and retrospective. Case definition: Isolation of GAS in sterile sites. Variables: epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, treatment and evolution. Strains were typified by sequencing of the emm gene. Chromosomal profiles were obtained by digestion of the DNA with the Smal enzyme. Presence of SpeB, SpeA and SpeC genes and susceptibility to antibiotics were performed. Results: Admissions rate: 3.98/10,000. 22 patients were included; osteoarticular infection (n=11), pleuropulmonary infection (n=6), non-cutaneous abscess (n=4) and blood isolation (n=1). Mean age: 44 months; 8 cases were severe, their mean age was lower (16 months). All pneumonia cases were severe and one patient died. Twelve strains were sequenced: 5 emm1 (4 emm1.29 and 1 emm1) and 1 of each: emm6.4, emm81, emm12, emm28, emm22, emm87, emm11. All were SpeB+. Toxin profiles: SpeA+SpeC-Ssa-(5), SpeA-SpeC+Ssa-(4) SpeA-SpeC-Ssa-(2) and SpeA-SpeC+Ssa+(2). Conclusions: This study allows to give continuity to a previous study. Greater typing of GAS was achieved, which may contribute to its molecular clinical knowledge. There was no record of patients diagnosed with TSS or necrotizing fascitis, unlike the previous series.