GASp, Where’s the Amoxicillin? Group A Streptococcus Infections and What Pharmacists Need to Know

Program Description

Infections with group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria are very contagious and commonly present with symptoms of fever, pain when swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, and white pus on the tonsils. However, there has also been a rise in cases where patients present with mild or atypical symptoms such as stomachache, vomiting, rash, and skin infections, which makes it difficult to detect the disease and can result in delayed treatment. Additionally, reports of rare, invasive GAS infections, which spread from the throat to blood, muscle, and lungs, are also increasing at an alarming rate in the 2022-2023 calendar year in both children and adults. Pharmacists must recognize the clinical presentation of GAS infections to aid in a timely diagnosis, ensure patients receive appropriate treatment recommendations, and provide education on strategies to prevent its spread. Since the treatment of GAS infections has been compounded by recent antibiotic drug shortages, it is critical that pharmacists are informed of available alternative therapies for GAS infections. This program will outline current statistics of invasive GAS infections in the United States, with a focus on the role of the pharmacist in its treatment and management across practice settings.

Target audience: Health-system and retail pharmacists

Type of activity: Knowledge
Release date: September 14, 2023
Expiration date: September 14, 2024

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Learner level: Foundational
Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Review group A Streptococcus (GAS) epidemiology, presentation, and the current status of streptococcal infections in the United States
• Outline current recommendations for prevention and treatment of GAS infections
• Articulate the role of the pharmacist in the management of GAS and invasive GAS infections

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-23-343-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through September 14, 2024.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, review the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Disclosures

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose:

Faculty

Jeannette Bouchard, PharmD, BCIDP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh, MBA; Karleen Rush, PharmD; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; Chloe Taccetta; and Rebecca Green. 

An anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

For questions about this internet CPE activity, please contact:
[email protected]
Privacy Policy and Terms of Use Information:
www.pharmacytimes.org/terms