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Standardization of Epidemiological Surveillance of Group A Streptococcal Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the superficial layer of skin. Impetigo is caused by group A Streptococcus (Strep A) and Staphylococcus aureus, alone or in combination, with the former predominating in many tropical climates. Strep A impetigo occurs mainly in early childhood, and the burden varies worldwide. It is an acute, self-limited disease, but many children experience frequent recurrences that make it a chronic illness in some endemic settings.

Citation:
Miller KM, Lamagni T, Cherian T, Cannon JW, Parks T, Adegbola RA, Pickering J, Barnett T, Engel ME, Manning L, Bowen AC, Carapetis JR, Moore HC, Barth DD, Kaslow DC, Van Beneden CA. Standardization of Epidemiological Surveillance of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2022;9(Suppl 1):S31-S40.

Keywords:
Streptococcus pyogenes; epidemiology; impetigo; infectious disease; surveillance

Abstract:
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the superficial layer of skin. Impetigo is caused by group A Streptococcus (Strep A) and Staphylococcus aureus, alone or in combination, with the former predominating in many tropical climates. Strep A impetigo occurs mainly in early childhood, and the burden varies worldwide. It is an acute, self-limited disease, but many children experience frequent recurrences that make it a chronic illness in some endemic settings.