Chronic pharyngitis

TUESDAY, April 8, 2025 -- Severe and possibly deadly strep infections are on the rise in the U.S., a study published Monday in Journal of the American Medical Association said. The rate of invasive group A strep infections more than doubled from 2013 to 2022, jumping from about 4 cases per 100,000 people to 8 per 100,000, NBC News reported. These infections happen when strep bacteria spread to normally germ-free parts of the body, such as the lungs or bloodstream. Unlike regular strep throat, this type can lead to dangerous conditions like necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) or toxic shock syndrome. “Within 24 to 48 hours, you could have very, very rapid deterioration,” Dr. Victor Nizet , a professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, told NBC News . Cases can transition from "seeming like a routine flu-like illness to rushing the patient to the ICU, fearing for their recovery,” he added. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracked data from 10 states with about 35 million people. In 2013, there were 1,082 cases. By 2022, there were 2,759 cases. In all, more than 21,000 cases were recorded over the period, including nearly 2,000 deaths, NBC News said. “When you see this high number of deaths, extrapolate that across the country — we’re probably well into more than 10,000 deaths,” Nizet said. Dr. Christopher Gregory , a CDC researcher and co-author of the study, said invasive strep now poses a higher threat to both high-risk groups and the general population. The rise may be linked to several issues: For one, more people are living with diabetes or obesity, which weakens the immune system. There's also been a rise in infections among people who inject drugs or experience homelessness. In 2022, the rate of infection among homeless people was 807 per 100,000 — one of the highest ever recorded, NBC News said. Gregory said the rate was “among the highest ever documented worldwide.” Also, strep strains are changing. New strains seem to cause more skin infections, not just sore throats, and some are becoming resistant to antibiotics like macrolides and clindamycin . The infection rate was highest among adults 65 and older, and all adults saw increases. Surprisingly, though, the study didn’t find an overall increase in children, but doctors say they’re seeing more serious cases. “That was, to me, the most shocking part of the study,” said Dr. Allison Eckard , division chief for pediatric infectious diseases at the Medical University of South Carolina. “Because clinically, we really are seeing what feels like an increase." Eckard, who reviewed the findings, said doctors are seeing more severe and more unusual cases, as well as more necrotizing fasciitis. It all raises concern, she said, that and cases "there is something going on more nationally.” She and other experts say more research is needed to understand what’s causing the rise and whether strep strains are becoming more dangerous. They also say a vaccine is badly needed, but progress may be slow due to recent changes at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “The lack of vaccine is devastating,” Nizet concluded. “Of course, we’re concerned about the turn of attitudes at the FDA and the CDC that seem to be putting some sticks in the spokes of the wheel of vaccine development.” Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

Visby Medical\'s kit includes vaginal self-collection swabs and a palm-sized, PCR-based testing device for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis, which delivers a result within 30 minutes. \n The FDA has cleared its first completely at-home sexual health test for women, available over-the-counter to screen for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.The single-use kit from Visby Medical includes vaginal swabs and a palm-sized, PCR-based testing device, designed to deliver a result to the user’s smartphone within 30 minutes. The company previously acquired an agency green light for a point-of-care version of the test used by healthcare professionals. The new de novo clearance also follows up on its first regulatory OK last August for an at-home syphilis test, developed by NOWDiagnostics, as the FDA continues to expand its authorizations for self-collected samples in sexually transmitted infections outside of HIV. “Home tests can give people information about their health from the privacy of their home. This can be particularly important for sexual health tests for which patients may experience fear or anxiety, possibly resulting in delayed diagnosis or treatment,” Courtney Lias, Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices, said in a statement.According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diagnoses of chlamydia and gonorrhea reached 2.2 million in 2023—while trichomoniasis is estimated to be the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted infection globally, with 2.6 million cases in the U.S. alone.All three—considered the most common STIs—can be addressed with antibiotics but can cause serious complications if left untreated.  “Expanding access to tests for sexually transmitted infections is an important step toward earlier and increased diagnosis, which can result in increased treatment and reduced spread of infection,” Lias said.Visby said clinical studies involving more than 2,000 users showed the test’s accuracy to be on par with traditional, laboratory-based PCR machines.“This approval is not just a milestone for Visby Medical but marks a transformative moment in medical diagnostics,” founder and CEO Adam de la Zerda, Ph.D., said in a statement. “We\'ve achieved something incredible; our palm-sized, single-use PCR test is simple to use and replaces a bulky, large, expensive laboratory instrument. After 12 years of development, our device delivers rapid, reliable results directly into the hands of consumers, with unparalleled convenience and privacy.”Last month, Visby also acquired a 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its point-of-care respiratory disease test, designed to catch influenza A and B as well as the coronavirus behind COVID-19. That PCR test previously received an emergency authorization during the pandemic.Visby previously raised $135 million in two tranches across 2022, with plans to help transition the San Jose, California-based startup away from COVID-19 and expand its menu of home-based and point-of-care tests.Now, the company said it plans to use the de novo clearance to open the door to other over-the-counter tests in coughs, colds and sore throats as well as urinary tract infections and other illnesses. “This is just the beginning of our journey into reshaping healthcare through at-home diagnostics,” said de la Zerda. “We will soon announce several strategic and commercial partnerships.”

To promote public awareness of head and neck cancer, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons share facts and tips CHICAGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Board and Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) recognize Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month in April. Many ABOMS Diplomates are experts in head and neck cancer, which account for about 4 percent of cancer cases in the United States. They see this month as an opportunity to educate the public. "By educating patients about oral cancer and its signs, we can provide timely help and offer reassurance about the latest advances in reconstructive surgery, which can restore their quality of life," explained Dhafer Alsuwied, DDS. Symptoms, risk factors, and prevention Symptoms of head and neck cancer typically begin in the mouth, nose, and throat, and may include: persistent sore throat, lumps, sores, difficulty swallowing, or a hoarse voice. Men are about twice as likely as women to develop oral cancers; other risk factors include: Heavy tobacco use High alcohol consumption Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection Family history of cancer To prevent these cancers, patients should quit tobacco, limit alcohol, and consider receiving the HPV vaccine when indicated. Screening at routine dental check-ups is also key. The expertise required to manage head and neck cancers The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certifies oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have proven their qualifications and expertise through education, training, and a thorough examination process. Diplomates are also required to undergo annual Certification Maintenance to prove ongoing competence. Beyond its rigorous certification process, ABOMS also offers Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery, which indicates that a surgeon has significant skills in this specialized area and emphasizes it in their practice. Eric R. Carlson, DMD, MD, EdM, FACS explained that the education required for this specialty is rigorous. "Aspiring oral surgeons with an interest in our subspecialty are taking on a career path that will involve numerous years of training and experience to practice at a high level. There are no shortcuts to proper training in oral/head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery, but the end result is a highly gratifying career." He added, "Participation in our subspecialty is truly a labor of love." Patients looking for a highly qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon for their oncology team should look for this kind of specialized training and certification. About the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) is the certifying board for the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United States. Overseen by an eight-member Board of Directors, the mission of ABOMS is to ensure that Diplomate surgeons meet our standards of training, education, and professionalism through our certification process. The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery headquarters are located at 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave Suite 1370, Chicago, IL 60631, and can be reached by phone at (312) 642-0070 or online at . Media Contact: Courtney C. Walsh, (312) 776-2994, [email protected] SOURCE American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery