Outbreak of Invasive Infections From Subtype emm26.3 Group A Streptococcus Among Homeless Adults-Anchorage, Alaska, 2016-2017.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2016, we detected an outbreak of group A Streptococcus (GAS) invasive infections among the estimated 1000 persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) in Anchorage, Alaska. We characterized the outbreak and implemented a mass antibiotic intervention at homeless service facilities.

Methods

We identified cases through the Alaska GAS laboratory-based surveillance system. We conducted emm typing, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole-genome sequencing on all invasive isolates and compared medical record data of patients infected with emm26.3 and other emm types. In February 2017, we offered PEH at 6 facilities in Anchorage a single dose of 1 g of azithromycin. We collected oropharyngeal and nonintact skin swabs on a subset of participants concurrent with the i

SUBMITTER: Mosites E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5862750 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature