Abstract Background Streptococcus pyogenes is a common cause of pediatric infections, ranging from mild to life-threatening. In December 2022, teh UK reported an unusual rise in S. pyogenes infections, including invasive forms. The phenomenon spread globally, prompting a WHO alert due to increased cases and severity. In Chile,a similar trend began in 2024. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of invasive S. pyogenes infections in Chilean children. Methods A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted across five hospitals in Chile in pediatric population between january 2024 and march 2025. Medical records of patients with invasive S. pyogenes infections were reviewed, collecting demographic, clinical and microbiological data. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results 82 cases were included in 5 hospitals: Roberto del Río (51.2%), Exequiel González Cortés (22.0%), Sótero del Río (14.6%), Osorno (7.3%) an Carabineros (4.9%). Ages ranged from 6 months to 14 years (mean 7 years and 9 month); 57.3% were male and 61% had no underlying conditions. Of those with comorbilities, 34.4% had chronic respiratory disease. Viral coinfections were identified in 28% (e.g., rhinovirus, influenza A/B, RSV, metapneumovirus). Clinically, 40.2% had scarlatiniform rash; 53.7% presented with toxic/septic shock. Most frecuent foci were scarlet fever (24.4%), pulmonary anosteoarticular (20.7% ech). Mean hospital stay was 13.4 days; 68.3% requiered ICU (mean 8 days). Case fatality was 3.7% (3 patients). Etiology was confirmed mainly by cuture (89%), folowed by rapid testing (26.8%) and molecular methods (2.4%). Isolation sites included pharynx, blood, jooints, pleura and CSF. Surgical management was performed in 54.9%. All patient recived antibiotics, mostly penicillin or third-generation cephalosporins associated with clindamycin (79.3%). IVIG was used in 36.6%, corticosteroids in 17.1%. Conclusion This is the first collaborative survillance of invasive S.pyogenes in Chilean pediatric patients. Most were previously healthy males. One-third had viral coinfections. Severe presentations were common, with high ICU use. Fatality rate reached 3.7% Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures
Acuña et al. (2026) studied this question.