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The epidemiology of superficial Streptococcal A (impetigo and pharyngitis) infections in Australia: A systematic review

Streptoccocal A (Strep A, GAS) infections in Australia are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality through both invasive (iGAS) and post-streptococcal (postGAS) diseases as well as preceding superficial (sGAS) skin and throat infection. The burden of iGAS and postGAS are addressed in some jurisdictions by mandatory notification systems; in contrast, the burden of preceding sGAS has no reporting structure, and is less well defined.

Citation:
Wiegele S, McKinnon E, van Schaijik B, Enkel S, Noonan K, Bowen AC, Wyber R. The epidemiology of superficial Streptococcal A (impetigo and pharyngitis) infections in Australia: A systematic review. PLoS ONE. 2023;18(11):e0288016.   

Keywords:
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; indigenous health services; impetigo; skin infections; pharyngitis; microbiology; streptococcus

Abstract:
Streptoccocal A (Strep A, GAS) infections in Australia are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality through both invasive (iGAS) and post-streptococcal (postGAS) diseases as well as preceding superficial (sGAS) skin and throat infection. The burden of iGAS and postGAS are addressed in some jurisdictions by mandatory notification systems; in contrast, the burden of preceding sGAS has no reporting structure, and is less well defined.