LISSSD 2025 At the margins of society and in the middle of the iGAS story (123777)
Strep A disease can occur in anyone however, the incidence of disease is higher in specific populations. These can include individuals who are homeless, those who are of specific ethic heritage such as First Nations in North America and indigenous populations in Australia and New Zealand as well as many other groups considered to be disadvantaged in different parts of the world. In many instances, rates of invasive Strep A disease are 10 times or more higher in these populations than in non-disadvantaged groups.
These groups also have increased rates of severe co-morbidities and are also vulnerable to Strep A outbreaks as seen in injection drug users, those experiencing crowded living conditions etc. While these groups would greatly benefit from a Strep A vaccine, this is only part of the solution to improving the health of these populations. Still, it is important that attention is brought to the high rates of Strep A disease in these groups and the differences in invasive strep A disease such as the different emm types, differences in acquisition (eg skin or throat) and differences in risk factors.
The importance of Strep A disease in these groups will be discussed.
