Mystery strep infection on the rise among Aussies, experts warn

Australian Community Media

A rare form of strep has been spreading rapidly across Australia, with new research revealing it poses a growing health risk, particularly among First Nations Australians.

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00:00A little-known strep infection is quietly spreading across Australia,

00:04prompting warnings from researchers after a decade-long study revealed worrying trends.

00:09Scientists from the Doherty Institute found a strain known as Streptococcus dyscalactii

00:14subspecies equisimilis, or SDSE, a close relative of strep A, has been behind a rising number of

00:22severe illnesses nationwide. For many, early symptoms mimic skin or soft tissue infections,

00:29redness, swelling, pain, fever or chills. In severe cases, SDSE can lead to bloodstream

00:37infections, septic shock or necrotising fasciitis. The infection has particularly affected older

00:44Aussies and First Nations communities in remote northern regions. Researchers said SDSE behaves

00:50differently to strep A, meaning antibiotics used to treat the latter may be less effective. They

00:56have urged better surveillance, health strategies and vaccine development to curb the growing threat

01:01before it spreads further.

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