HPR volume 12 issue 9: news (9 March)
Updated 21 December 2018
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Group A streptococcal infections: second report on seasonal activity in summary
PHE continues to monitor notifications of scarlet fever cases in England following the high levels recorded in recent years.
According to the second report on group A streptococcus activity for the current season, in this issue of HPR [1,2], scarlet fever notifications continue to increase in line with the usual seasonal pattern, with current weekly totals exceeding the levels seen at this point last season.
Similarly, following the typical seasonal pattern, cases of invasive disease are increasing, with rates above average for time of year.
GPs, microbiologists and paediatricians are reminded of the importance of prompt notification of scarlet fever cases and outbreaks to local PHE health protection teams, obtaining throat swabs (prior to commencing antibiotics) when there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, and ensuring exclusion from school/work until 24 hours of antibiotic treatment has been received [3].
Due to rare but potentially severe complications associated with GAS infections, clinicians and HPTs should continue to be mindful of potential increases in invasive disease and maintain a high degree of clinical suspicion when assessing patients
References
- Group A streptococcal infections: second report on seasonal activity, 2017/18, HPR 12(9): infection report.
- Public Health England urges vigilance about spotting signs of scarlet fever, PHE website news story, 9 March.
- PHE (2014). Interim guidelines for the public health management of scarlet fever outbreaks in schools, nurseries and other childcare settings.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae report for 2017
PHE has published a surveillance summary of cases of respiratory Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mpn) infection reported from laboratories in England and Wales in 2017 via the PHE voluntary surveillance database Second Generation Surveillance System (SGSS) [1].
A total of 550 cases were reported in 2017, a reduction from 703 cases in 2016. A number of long term trends seen in previous years continued in 2017. These included: epidemic peaks at 3-4 year intervals, and the highest proportion of reported cases having been consistently observed in the 15-44 year age group since 2012.
Clinical laboratory scientists in England are requested to refer all Mpn-positive respiratory specimens, or DNA extracts, for free molecular detection of mutations associated with macrolide resistance to: Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), Bacteriology Reference Department, PHE Colindale [2].
References
- PHE (March 2018). Annual summary of respiratory Mycoplasma pneumoniae laboratory surveillance data, England and Wales, 2017.
- PHE (June 2017). Referral of specimens for confirmation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection and detection of macrolide resistance markers.