Poster Presentation Lancefield International Symposium for Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases 2025

Surveillance of Streptococus pyogenes induced pharyngitis in children from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds via collaboration with a local health service (#91)

Maria Angel 1 2 , Ciara Baker 1 2 , Taylor Mills 1 2 , Jasmyn Voss 1 2 , Hannah Frost 1 2 , Kaneka Chheng 1 2 , Alma Fulurija 1 3 , Andrew Steer 1 2 , Jonathan Carapetis 1 3 , Lester Mascarenhas 1 4 , Peter Richmond 1 3 , Margie Danchin 1 2 , Lena Sanci 1 2 , Alan Leeb 1 3 , Katherine Noonan 1 3 , Rachel Canaway 1 2 , Matthew Cooper 1 3 , Glenn Pearson 1 3 , Helen Marshall 1 5 , Tria Williams 1 2
  1. The Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative, Australia
  2. Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  3. The Kids Research Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
  4. UTOPIA Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  5. Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia

Background

The Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI) is an Australian-led initiative with the goal of reducing the burden of Streptococus pyogenes infections through development of a vaccine. The Australian Strep A Urban Pharyngitis Study (STAMPS) is a surveillance study designed to determine the incidence of pharyngitis infections among children (aged 3-14 years) living in urban settings. We partnered with several local general practices to assist with participant recruitment. One of these practices was a refugee and asylum seeker-focused general practice, which facilitated the recruitment of children from refugee and asylum seeker families.

Aim

To maximise recruitment and retention of participants and determine the incidence of pharyngitis, S. pyogenes pharyngitis and S. pyogenes carriage rates in children from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds.

Methods

Bi-cultural workers from the general practice played a critical role in the initial screening, recruitment and informed consent process. Their familiarity with participants fostered a safe and supportive experience for participants throughout the 12-month duration of the study. Additional strategies, such as tailored communication materials and flexible appointment scheduling, were also implemented to facilitate participation.  

Results

Of the 82 enrolled children, 79 children completed a baseline visit and 75 children completed all four visits over the course of 12 months. Samples and participant health data were collected during visits with the support of bicultural workers and interpreters.

Conclusion

This collaboration highlights the importance of community partnerships and culturally responsive strategies in engaging underserved populations and successfully collecting valuable S. pyogenes data.