[Accumulation of severe Streptococcus pyogenes infections among children admitted to the pediatric department of a county hospital].

Abstract

In one month, an unusually high rate of severe Streptococcus pyogenes infections occurred at the Children’s Department of the Bács-Kiskun County Hospital. The pathogen caused serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. All but one of the patients were from the same municipality, raising the possibility of spread of the invasive clone in this community. Rapid clinical deterioration was observed in all our cases. International literature data support the periodic clustering of different invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections with different clones responsible. The role of different viral coinfections has also been observed. The aim of this article is to raise awareness of the importance of iGAS infections, their symptoms, the importance of early recognition of sepsis and the timely transfer of patients to the right tertiary care centre. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(4): 154–159.