Home > Review Articles > Ethnic disparities > Post-pandemic increase in invasive group A strep infections in New Zealand

Post-pandemic increase in invasive group A strep infections in New Zealand

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 112
Authors:
  • Ammar S et al.
Summary:

A study of invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections in New Zealand between 2017 and 2023 has reported findings consistent with those of many other high-income countries. National surveillance data revealed a sharp increase in iGAS in 2023, notably among children aged under ten years. Māori and Pacific peoples were disproportionately affected. In 2022-2023, the emm1 and emm12 strains were commonly reported, and there was a moderate correlation between iGAS and acute respiratory infection. After adjustment for ethnicity, sex and age, there was a significant decrease in iGAS during COVID-19 restrictions, which increased after restrictions were relaxed. The study authors noted that iGAS will become a notifiable disease in New Zealand in late 2024, which should help with monitoring and public health responses.

Comment:
A reminder that iGAS continues to be a major health issue in Aotearoa New Zealand. On one side, there is lot of interesting research and innovation in this space, with many in our country considered world leaders; on the flipside it’s bad that we have to be.
Reference: Infect Public Health. 2024;17(11):102545.
Abstract
Download Article
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

Variation in the use of electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation/flutter according to sex and ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand
Variation in the use of electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation/flutter according to sex and ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand

Rhythm control procedures are selectively applied and vary by demographic and clinical factors, according to

Find out more
Regional and ethnic projections of gastric cancer incidence in Aotearoa New Zealand to 2045: identifying opportunities for targeted action
Regional and ethnic projections of gastric cancer incidence in Aotearoa New Zealand to 2045: identifying opportunities for targeted action

A modelling study has found that absolute gastric cancer cases in New Zealand are projected

Find out more
Changes in life expectancy in Aotearoa New Zealand
Changes in life expectancy in Aotearoa New Zealand

Despite overall improvement in life expectancy in New Zealand, according to a cause-specific decomposition analysis

Find out more
View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.