Abstract

Background

Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity globally. This bacterium is responsible for a range of different infections and post-infectious sequelae. Summarising the current knowledge of Strep A transmission to humans will address gaps in the evidence and inform prevention and control strategies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the modes of transmission and attack rates of group A streptococcal infection in human populations.

Methods

This systematic review protocol was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 Statement. Using a comprehensive search strategy to identify any transmission studies that have been published in English since 1980, full-text articles will be identified and considered for inclusion against predefined criteria. We will include all studies reporting on Strep A transmission, who have identified a mode of transmission, and who reported attack rates. Risk of bias will be appraised using an appropriate tool. Our results will be described narratively and where feasible and appropriate, a meta-analysis utilizing the random-effects model will be used to aggregate the incidence proportions (attack rates) for each mode of transmission. In addition, we will also evaluate the emm genotype variants of the M protein causing Strep A infection and the association with transmission routes and attack rates, if any, by setting, socioeconomic background and geographical regions.

Discussion

We anticipate that this review will contribute to elucidating Strep A modes of transmission which in turn, will serve to inform evidence-based strategies including environmental health activities to reduce the transmission of Strep A in populations at risk of severe disease.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42019138472).

Details

Title
Modes of transmission and attack rates of group A Streptococcal infection: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Author
Barth, Dylan D  VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Daw, Jessica; Xu, Ruomei; Enkel, Stephanie; Pickering, Janessa; McRae, Tracy; Engel, Mark E; Carapetis, Jonathan; Wyber, Rosemary; Bowen, Asha C
Pages
1-7
Section
Protocol
Publication year
2021
Publication date
2021
Publisher
Springer Nature B.V.
e-ISSN
20464053
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01641-5
ProQuest document ID
2514618052
Copyright
© 2021. This work is licensed under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.