PHO Rounds: Update on Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease

Following the COVID-19 pandemic response, multiple jurisdictions around the world witnessed an increase in invasive Group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) activity, including Ontario. Increased iGAS monthly case counts continued to be observed in Ontario in October and November 2023, compared to the same months in recent pre-pandemic years. This session will provide an overview of recent iGAS epidemiological trends in Ontario and Canada, including frequently observed iGAS emm types and the emergence of the hyper-virulent M1UK sub-lineage. It will also describe current approaches to iGAS laboratory testing and surveillance at the National Microbiology Laboratory, including whole genome sequencing. Finally, this session will describe the 2022 recurrence of a 2019 outbreak of iGAS type emm 89 in a Montreal facility housing a mix of long-term care, intermediate care and retirement home residents. It will include lessons learned and describe how whole genome sequencing contributed to outbreak investigation and management.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Summarize recent epidemiological trends in iGAS activity in Ontario and Canada
• Describe the current approach to iGAS whole genome sequencing and reporting at the National Microbiology Laboratory
• Identify key considerations in iGAS outbreak management in long-term care settings
• Appreciate the contribution of whole genome sequencing to the investigation and management of iGAS outbreaks
Presenter(s): Dr. Liane Macdonald, Dr. Genevieve Cadieux, Dr. Alyssa Golden
The presentation can be found here: www.publicheal...