Increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections in Milan, Italy: a genomic and clinical characterization

Abstract

This study showed that multiple <i>emm</i>-types contributed to a 2022/2023 GAS infection increase in two hospitals in Milan, with no evidence of direct transmission chains. Specific <i>emm</i>-types could be associated with disease severity or invasiveness. Overall, these results support the integration of classical epidemiological studies with genomic investigation to appropriately manage severe infections and improve surveillance.