A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has found a sharp rise in invasive group A strep infections in the US over the past decade. According to the CDC, the rate of these infections more than doubled from 2013 to 2022, with cases increasing by nearly 160%.
Invasive group A strep infections occur when the bacteria spread to normally germ-free parts of the body, such as the lungs or bloodstream, and can lead to serious conditions like necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) or toxic shock syndrome.
Experts warn that these infections are becoming increasingly deadly, with nearly 2,000 deaths recorded over the past decade. The study also found that the rate of infection among homeless people was one of the highest ever documented worldwide.
The CDC attributes the rise in strep infections to several factors, including an increase in obesity and diabetes rates, as well as growing vulnerabilities among certain populations. New strains of the bacteria are also becoming more resistant to antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.
While a vaccine is badly needed, experts say progress may be slow due to recent changes at the FDA. The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for increased research and development of effective treatments and vaccines against group A strep infections.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-sharp-dangerous-strep-infections.html