In recent days we have had special press coverage reporting a particular health situation that has to do with the increase in cases of respiratory infections due to the Influenza A virus. The number of cases has tripled that recorded since 2023. The date is epidemiological week 22, although a decrease is observed in this last week from a positivity for influenza of 55% to a positivity of 49%, it is still a high viral circulation.
Mixed infection has recently been described in some patients with Influenza A virus and Streptococcus pyogenes; this type of condition presents additional complications mainly due to the pathologies that can be associated with this last bacterial agent. For approximately 1 year, an increase in the number of S.pyogenes infections has been observed in several European countries, as well as in Uruguay and Argentina, and although in Chile until last year it had not been observed, we can say that Starting in 2024, a very significant increase in the number of cases can be seen.
Regarding this situation, both the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization, in their different reports, raise a possible relationship between the increase in S.pyogenes with an increase in the circulation of respiratory viruses and the risk of their occurrence. viral co-infections. Without a doubt, a mixed infection by these two agents can in turn increase the risk of developing an invasive disease due to S.pyogenes.
As general information, it is important to note that the reservoir of S.pyogenes is humans and that approximately 20% of the population can carry this bacteria in their nasopharynx, without developing disease. Transmission occurs through direct contact between people: through the respiratory route or through the skin.
This bacteria generally produces mild infections such as pharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis and/or scarlet fever and can exceptionally cause invasive infections such as pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis and septic shock.
Unfortunately, it happens that in some patients, respiratory infection due to Influenza A significantly weakens their immune system, making it possible in these cases to establish invasive infections due to S.pyogenes, particularly pneumonia.
Given the epidemic situation that the country is experiencing due to respiratory viruses and, mainly, Influenza A virus, prevention is very important and for this the recommendations are: wash your hands frequently with soap and water; clean and ventilate the rooms daily; maintain rest if there are symptoms such as headache, severe sore throat, fever, weakness and do not attend work or school while the symptoms last; failing that, if you cannot rest, the use of masks is suggested; do not self-medicate; Cough and/or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into a disposable tissue to avoid infecting other people.
Finally, it is worth remembering that the best preventive strategy is immunization against the influenza A virus, especially risk groups.
By Jaime Schifferli Campos,
Medical Technology career director at Santo Tomás Puerto Montt University.
