Since the 1980s, the “flesh-eating” Streptococcus pyogenes – group A streptococcus (GAS) – has been making inroads in Western countries.
GAS infections can lead to meningitis, joint inflammation, and severe, deep wounds. In his doctoral thesis, Bart Vlaminckx identifies the incidence of the bacteria in the Netherlands and shows which strains occur. Because different strains result in slightly different symptoms, it is useful to know which strains occur in the Netherlands.
Vlaminckx was awarded a PhD from Utrecht University on September 15. His thesis is titled 'Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease. National Epidemiology and Genetic Analysis'.