Table 1.
Characteristics of 65 iGAS Cases Identified From 26 Rural and Remote First Nations Communities in Northwestern Ontario Between 2009 and 2014
| Case Characteristics | Number (%) |
|---|---|
| Chronic underlying medical conditions | |
| Diabetes | 25 (38.5) |
| Skin conditions | 25 (38.5) |
| Coronary artery disease | 6 (9.2) |
| Active cancer | 3 (4.6) |
| Peritoneal dialysis* | 3 (4.6) |
| Hepatitis C | 3 (4.6) |
| Liver failure | 3 (4.6) |
| Connective tissue disorder | 3 (4.6) |
| Other potential risk factors | |
| Alcohol dependence | 16 (24.6) |
| Previous positive wound swab for GAS | 16 (24.6) |
| Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug | 11 (16.9) |
| Injection drug use | 8 (12.3) |
| Other substance use | 6 (9.2) |
| Underhoused/homeless/living in shelter system | 5 (7.7) |
| Varicella within the previous month | 1 (1.5) |
Abbreviations: GAS, group A streptococcal; iGAS, invasive group A streptococcal.
*Patients must move from their rural or remote community to a larger center (primarily Thunder Bay) to receive hemodialysis. Only peritoneal dialysis is available at community level.