Immunity to Streptococcus pyogenes and Common Respiratory Viruses at Age 0 to 4 Years After COVID-19 Restrictions.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

The upsurge in invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes among children reported in several European countries during 2022 to 2023 has not been fully explained.

Objective

To evaluate whether changes in the circulation of common respiratory pathogens associated with the introduction of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with acquisition of immunity to S pyogenes and common respiratory viruses.

Design, setting, and participants

This cross-sectional study recruited children with suspected infection and afebrile control participants at hospitals in 10 European countries. Data were collected before (September 2016 to March 2020) and after (April 2020 to July 2023) the introduction of NPIs.

Main outcomes

SUBMITTER: Dokal K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529189 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature