Streptococcus Pyogenes: The “killer bacterium” in Chile: what it is, how it spreads and what are its symptoms

The flu outbreak that Chile has been facing for weeks has added a new complication with the emergence of numerous human cases. Streptococcus pyogenesknown as group A streptococcus (GAS) or also killer bacteria. Authorities in the South American country have warned of infections caused by bacteria that are complicating the health of people with the flu.

The gravity of the situation became clear last Friday when the death of a 12-year-old girl was confirmed at the Heloise Diaz Hospital in the municipality of La Florida, in the southern region of Santiago de Chile. The medical facility reported that the cause of death of the minor was a case of influenza complicated by a bacterial infection.

The Ministry of Health (Minsal) has provided some indications for quickly identifying the presence of the disease, as well as for its prevention.

What are “killer bacteria”?

Streptococcus pyogenes

It is a bacterium of about 80 different serotypes that can survive in the upper respiratory tract or in the upper layer of the skin. It is responsible for a number of diseases including pharyngitis, sore throat and skin infections. The bacterium was named carnivore or murderer as in the most severe cases it can cause tissue necrosis.

How it spreads

The bacterium is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets from the nose or mouth of infected people, as well as through direct contact with the skin of an infected person. Minsal’s report said children and the elderly are most vulnerable to infection. The most common risk factors are recent surgery, immunosuppression, advanced age, and previous viral or bacterial infections.

Diseases it causes

Some of the diseases associated with bacteria are pneumonia; meningitis; ear infections; phlegmon in the throat; bacteria in the blood; or bone infection. The most serious cases involving bacteria with greater invasiveness and toxin production may cause the syndrome toxic shock Streptococcus; abscess; myositis (muscle inflammation); and necrotizing nascites (skin necrosis).

Symptoms

Authorities say people with fever, weakness, severe sore throat or skin pain, headache and skin lesions should contact a doctor quickly to get proper treatment.

Treatment

People affected by the so-called killer bacteria They receive indications for antibiotics that are clearly indicated by a competent medical professional. One of the keys to achieving improvement is to not refuse or stop receiving treatment. It is also important not to self-medicate. There is no vaccine for this infection, but vaccination against influenza or Covid can avoid some risk factors for patients.

How to prevent

Hygiene measures are necessary to avoid Streptococcus pyogenes. People should wash their hands with soap before preparing food, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the toilet. All rooms in which people are present every day also need to be cleaned and ventilated. Patients experiencing symptoms should rest at home and not go to work or school. When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or a disposable tissue.

Rising cases in Chile

From January to May 2024, 191 cases of infection with this bacterium were recorded. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, when only 66 people were affected.

What the government says

Health Minister Ximena Aguilera said all medical centers in the country have been warned about the emergence of the bacterium, which she called “very aggressive.” “This can occur not only in the case of influenza infection, but also in other respiratory diseases caused by other viruses, in which an additional superinfection with bacteria may occur,” the department said this Wednesday during a visit to the Calvo Makenna hospital in the municipality of Providencia, in eastern part of the capital. The portfolio manager explained that the presence of bacteria does not necessarily mean a patient has a serious illness, although she cautions that complications may increase if the affected person also has a respiratory infection, such as the flu.

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