[The prevalence and clinicoepidemiological characteristics of diseases caused by streptococcus group A in Russia].

AIM: to assess the significance of Streptococcus group A (SGA) infection in Moscow and the Russian Federation (RF).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The materials contained in the 1996-2007 annual official statistical records (forms Nos. 12, 14, 16-BH, C-51, of the State Committee for Statistics) were analyzed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: An average of 3.1 million (207.1 per 10,000 population) cases of SGA infection were annually notified in Russia. In the latter, the average annual rates of the incidence and prevalence of SGA infection (other than scarlet fever) in all age groups were much greater than those in Moscow. The average annual incidence of rheumatism was 5.1 and 6.0 per 10,000 in the RF and Moscow, respectively. The cases and days of temporary disability in Moscow were 2-3 times lower than those in the RF. The incidence and prevalence of other forms of SGA infection among the RF population significantly increased from 1 to 4%. In Moscow, there was a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of renal diseases, a decrease in the incidence of chronic rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, and sinusitis and in their prevalence. The prevalence of chronic tonsillitis, adenoiditis and paratonsillar abscesses tended to increase while their incidence showed no significant changes.

CONCLUSION

Despite the significant declining trends for its incidence, prevalence, temporary disability, and mortality, SGA infection continues to cause a substantial socioeconomic damage and to remain to be one of the urgent public health problems of the country.