‘Killer bacteria’: It’s been around the world for years and its invasive infections are ‘rare’ | Streptococcus pyogenes | PERU
However, this family of bacteria is widespread among humans and can lead to a number of common diseases such as pharyngitis, cellulitis or erysipelas. The truth is that the colloquial name given to streptococci is more alarming than it actually is. In fact, most illnesses associated with these bacteria are usually mild and treatable.
One of the main ways Streptococcus pyogenes spreads is through droplets produced by sneezing. Photo: Diffusion.
Minimal risk
The risk increases when patients develop invasive disease, and the situation becomes more critical when they develop invasive disease. streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (CTT). It is a rare disease but has a high mortality rate. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the mortality rate for patients who develop shock can exceed 30%.
That is, on average, three out of every ten patients die. Symptoms include shock and organ failure, mainly the kidneys, liver and lungs. It can also lead to hypotension (low blood pressure), tachycardia (heart beats faster than normal), and tachypnea (rapid breathing). The syndrome can be treated with antibiotics at a medical center, and in some cases surgery may be required.
Despite the aggressive situation that this microorganism can cause, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) establishes that this bacterium is mainly associated with “school outbreaks that are not usually associated with invasive infections” “In rare cases, they can cause serious invasive infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, bacteremia, septic arthritis, postpartum endometritis, or respiratory tract infections, (of which) a third are complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.” indicates a report from an organization.
Supervision
In communication with TradeDr. Cesar Munaiko, CEO National Center for Epidemiology, Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) belonging Ministry of Health (Minsa), explained that the initial warnings about an increase in cases due to STSS were not recent. Actually, World Health Organization (WHO) reported in December 2022 – the latest update in this regard – that “at least five Member States in the European Region reported to WHO an increase in cases of invasive streptococcal disease.“
The specialist noted that neighboring countries such as Paraguay, Chile and Argentina have also conducted studies on the issue and initiated surveillance actions. “In Peru we do not have special surveillance for this (cases of shock toxic streptococcus and streptococcal bacteria), but we monitor infections and monitor the resistance of strains causing infections,” mentioned by the interlocutor.
Munaiko was persistent in explaining this This is not an outbreak of infections, much less unknown bacteria.. Even the WHO believes that “The risk of invasive infection in the population is currently low.”” Despite this, the doctor clarified that investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the increase in cases of TTSS and ruled that “that’s not a good adjective” bacteria, calling it a “killer”. However, he did not rule out the possibility that it was bacteria.”causes a significant number of deaths worldwide“
The CDC director said there were about 22 cases reported in Peru between 2017 and 2023 streptococcal toxic shock, but he clarified that Other bacteria can also cause similar septic shock. Although STSS is one of the more complex syndromes that streptococci can cause, it is not the only one.
Munayko explained that rheumatic fever is another syndrome.”aggressive” It is an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, brain, skin and joints. Although bacteria do not directly cause this disease, they do cause an “incorrect” immune system response that ends up attacking the human body’s own tissues.
Care
Munaiko emphasized that the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes is constantly present among the population. He indicated that “It is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets, hand contact with nasal secretions, contaminated objects, contaminated lesions (mostly open ones), and consumption of contaminated food sources. “(Bacteria) colonize (multiply) in the rectum, anus, mouth, and nasal passages.“, the doctor described.
Like other bacteria and viruses, Hygiene, the doctor commented, is the key to reducing infection between people.. In addition, he clarified that children under five years of age and older people are more likely to develop serious illnesses after infection. This is also confirmed by international data, since the largest number of deaths from CVD occur among those aged 65 years. In addition, the specialist pointed out that diabetics, people who drink alcohol, those who inject drugs, and those with open wounds are more likely to develop shock syndrome and have a higher mortality rate.
The CDC director also said that the initial symptoms of STSS can be confused with symptoms of influenza, influenza, or other illnesses associated with bacteria. “In winter we have pharyngitis and tonsillitis. About 15% is caused by these bacteria.“, the doctor indicated. Taking this into account, Munayko called on the population to contact medical centers if symptoms worsen,”and not to the pharmacy to self-medicate” He emphasized that this has already been discovered. This bacterium is highly resistant to antibioticsthe situation worsens if citizens resort to these drugs uncontrollably.