OUR death of a six year old girlwho suffered septic shock from streptococcuscaused concern to many parents, while quite a few who wonder if his detection test is streptococcus (streptococcal test) is what they can do on their own, by symptoms, as is the case with corona virus And flu.

“This is a very common and widespread bacterium. But what happened to a six-year-old is extremely rare, ”explains“ K ”associate professor of the department of epidemiology. you are a geek Majorca, who notes that in Greece over the past twenty years, the diagnosis and treatment of streptococcus is very satisfactory, since there are very few cases when the bacterium enters the bloodstream and causes a life-threatening complication called “group A penetrating streptococcus” (iGAS)”.

The epidemiologist and member of the Expert Commission of the Ministry of Health notes that in the past and before the widespread use of antibiotics, streptococcus gave poor results in our country, because “if the patient is left without antibiotics and the microbe progresses, it can lead to rheumatism, and then to damage to the heart valves causing them to narrow. It can also cause kidney problems (SS poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis). However, now these complications are practically eliminated.

Encouraging, in turn, also Athanasius mijosAssistant professor Pediatrics-infectious at the First Children’s Polyclinic of the Faculty of Medicine EKPAadding that mass vaccination against varicella in recent decades (of which severe streptococcus was a frequent complication) has further reduced the incidence of severe cases of streptococcus in our country.

However, both experts note that the lack of surveillance of streptococcus by EODI in Greece it may have to be changed, starting with the recording of serious incidents, such as in the United Kingdom, where so-called “active surveillance” is used. How Mr. mijos:”all serious infections should be monitored, especially in post-pandemic an era when respiratory viruses act multiple times and cause a large number of cases. The recording will help us better understand trends in the community.”

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

However, according to experts, there is currently an increased concern about streptococcus, as the number of cases usually increases from mid-January and peaks in the spring. But this year, globally, the numbers have risen sharply since autumn, in a typical example of Britain, where 29 juvenile deaths from streptococcus have been recorded from last September to the present day.

At the beginning of December last year, Greek pediatricians also observed cases in our country. Then President Mr. freelancers pediatricians, Konstantinos Dalukas, accent on “k” that it was very paradoxical for Greece.

According to Mr. Majorcathis is because the systematic use of masks and other protective measures to corona virus, has nearly “eliminated” many viruses and infections in at least two years, including streptococcus. As soon as the measures were lifted, as cases of influenza showed, many diseases returned sharply.

The reason for such negative results in Britain is that, according to Mr. Micho, in many cases, pediatricians make a very late diagnosis. “In Greece, the relationship between the family and the pediatrician is valuable, and this greatly helps the health of children in our country” notes Mister. mijos.

Mister. Dalukas however, noted the following: “This year we are seeing an increased frequency of streptococcus. However, it does not seem that in Greece the disease is invasive, that is, streptococcus enters the bloodstream. Thus, parents do not have to worry about a very serious illness, but on the other hand, PiRthey should be alert and rush to the doctor for symptoms without improvising with syrups etc.“.

When should a streptococcal test be done?

On the second or third day, at a maximum temperature above 38 degrees, parents should carefully visit the pediatrician so that among the many microbes and viruses circulating this year, there is a correct diagnosis.

Experts who spoke with “K” note that on the second or third day, at a maximum temperature above 38 degrees, parents should carefully visit the pediatrician so that there is a correct diagnosis, among the many microbes and viruses that singled out this year. The pediatrician will likely judge that the procedure is necessary. streptococcal test (test for streptococci).