What We Do
Group A Streptococcus is a pathogen that affects only humans and is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets and direct contact. It is generally associated with mild, non-invasive infections, although occasionally these infections can be severe or even fatal. Currently, there is no vaccine against infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. To reduce the risk of transmission, it is crucial to follow preventive measures. In this context, Santé publique France’s efforts focus on epidemiological surveillance of the disease and reminding the public of the preventive measures to take.
Epidemiological surveillance of invasive group A streptococcal infections
Epidemiological surveillance of Group A streptococcal infections makes it possible to measure the number of invasive Group A streptococcal infections per capita each year (incidence rate).
It relies primarily on:
the Epibac network, coordinated by Santé publique France;
the National Reference Center for Streptococci (CNR-Strep).
Surveillance of invasive Group A streptococcal infections through the EPIBAC network
The EPIBAC network is a network of hospital microbiologists established in 1987 and coordinated by Santé publique France since 1999. EPIBAC collects data on the number of invasive infections caused by six bacteria, including Group A Streptococcus.
Cases of invasive Group A streptococcal infections are defined by the isolation of Group A streptococcus in the blood (bacteremia and sepsis) or in the cerebrospinal fluid (meningitis).
For each case of invasive Group A streptococcal infection, the date of specimen collection, date of birth, and site of collection are recorded. Epibac data
enable the estimation and monitoring of trends in the number of cases and the incidence of invasive Group A streptococcal infections for the entire French population by age group.
The National Reference Center for Streptococci
The mission of the CNR-Strep is to provide biological expertise and to contribute to the early warning and surveillance of invasive streptococcal infections and their antibiotic resistance.
The CNR’s analysis of strains includes determining the susceptibility of streptococcal strains to the main antibiotics used, as well as genotyping streptococcal strains.
It also monitors the main clinical manifestations of invasive streptococcal infections (ISIs) reported to the CNR, as well as cases of streptococcal skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Link to the 2023 activity report.
Learn more about CNR monitoring
Epidemiological surveillance of non-invasive Group A streptococcal infections
Surveillance of non-invasive Group A streptococcal infections in France relies primarily on:
The Pari1 network.
Surveillance of non-invasive Group A streptococcal infections with SurSaUD
Data from the SOS Médecins associations and the OSCOUR® network allow for tracking the number of SOS Médecins consultations and emergency room visits for scarlet fever. Surveillance data are compiled weekly and published on our website.
Surveillance of non-invasive Group A streptococcal infections with the PARI network
Data from the PARI network allows us to track the number of outpatient pediatric visits for non-invasive GAS infections.
Learn more:
1- The PARI network consists of about 100 private pediatricians. It is coordinated by the AFPA (French Association of Ambulatory Pediatrics) and ACTIV (Val-de-Marne Association for Child Clinical and Therapeutic Care).
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risks associated with the transmission of infections, Santé publique France has developed various informational resources on the measures to take to limit transmission and is helping to promote the preventive measures that should be adopted.
