Bacterial and host determinants to explain and control group A streptococcal infections (BEATGAS)

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a bacterium that asymptomatically resides in the oropharynx of ~10% of the population. In rare cases, GAS invades deeper tissues or even the bloodstream, causing life-threatening so-called invasive GAS (iGAS) infections. After lifting the COVID-19 control measures in the Netherlands in March 2022, a resurgence of iGAS infections occurred among children and adults. Aim This project aims to uncover the reasons for this ongoing outbreak by: investigating and comparing the genomes and biological traits of GAS isolates before and after the COVID period to gauge changes in its' disease-causing potential, and by; measuring the levels of anti-GAS antibodies before, during, and after the period of COVID restriction measures in specific age groups. (Expected) results Finally, we aim to provide broad insight into current risk factors for primary iGAS and the effect of the recently-expanded antibiotic prophylaxis guideline to prevent secondary iGAS infections.