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This paper presents a comprehensive cardiac safety framework for early clinical development of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) vaccines, endorsed by the Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium and the Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative. Given historical concerns about vaccine-associated acute rheumatic fever, we have established standardized echocardiography protocols integrated with clinical assessment for monitoring cardiac safety in early-phase vaccine trials.
The transmission of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) through respiratory droplets has been considered the dominant mode of transmission to date; however, little is known about the relative contribution of other modes of transmission. This review systematically summarises the contemporary evidence regarding the transmission of Strep A.
This review aims to systematically identify contextual and mechanistic factors that contribute to the success or failure of implementing effective HCs in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian primary health care (PHC).
Streptococcus A is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin.
Controlled human infection (CHI) models can provide insights into transmission of pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A). As part of the Controlled Human Infection with Penicillin for Streptococcus pyogenes (CHIPS) trial, we explored the potential for transmission among participants deliberately infected with the Strep A emm75 strain.
Acute rheumatic fever is an immune-mediated condition triggered by Streptococcus pyogenes sore throat and possibly skin infection, with a substantial burden in resource-limited settings. Clinical decision rules (CDRs) are commonly used to guide antibiotic treatment of sore throat based on signs and symptoms, but their diagnostic accuracy varies by study and setting. This work aimed to assess the accuracy of multiple CDRs in Fiji to diagnose S. pyogenes sore throat.
Knowledge gaps regarding human immunity to Streptococcus pyogenes have impeded vaccine development. To address these gaps and evaluate vaccine candidates, we established a human challenge model of S. pyogenes pharyngitis. Here, we analyse antibody responses in serum and saliva against 19 antigens to identify characteristics distinguishing 19 participants who developed pharyngitis and 6 who did not.
Over 5 days, 120 schoolchildren from two schools in the remote Kimberley region of Australia were screened for Strep A pharyngitis. Molecular point-of-care testing identified Strep A pharyngitis in 13/18 (72.2%) symptomatic children. The portability and feasibility of molecular point-of-care testing was highly practical for remote settings.
Our aims were to describe the epidemiological distribution of paediatric invasive group A Streptococcus disease in Australia and correlate this with influenza notifications
"I had never heard of invasive Streptococcus A disease before, and I was shocked to hear that it is actually three times more common than meningococcal disease and just as deadly yet there is no vaccine to protect against it."