Group A streptococcal bacteremia at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne: concern of an under‐reported risk group in Australia

BACKGROUND: Invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections are increasing worldwide with at risk groups being children, pregnant women and the elderly. In 2017, there was a rise in iGAS cases in Victoria, prompting a Chief Health Officer advisory. AIMS: To describe the characteristics of patients with GAS bacteraemia admitted to a tertiary hospital. To compare at risk groups in our population with those identified in the Victorian Government health alert. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with GAS bacteremia admitted between June 2014 and December 2017 at a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Victoria. RESULTS: Forty-three cases of GAS bacteraemia occurred. Average age was 52 years (range 15-88 years) with 63% male. Average length of stay was 14 days (range 0-72 days) and all-cause mortality occurred in two cases (5%). Twelve patients (28%) presented with shock, 11 (26%) required intensive care unit admission and 13 (30%) surgical intervention. A history of intravenous drug use was documented in 18 cases (42%) and were commonly complicated by bone or joint involvement or thrombosis. Typing of GAS samples identified 22 different emm-types. CONCLUSION: GAS bacteraemia resulted in significant morbidity and prolonged hospitalisation. In contrast to the at-risk groups identified in the Victorian Government health advisory, the commonest risk group in this series were people who inject drugs and most commonly middle-aged men. Invasive GAS should be considered if a person who injects drugs presents with acute severe sepsis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.