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Multilocus sequence typing of Streptococcus pyogenes and the relationships between emm type and clone
M C Enright1, B G Spratt, A Kalia
1Wellcome Trust Centre for the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Infection and Immunity
|March 20, 2001
Summary
Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) provides insights into Streptococcus pyogenes population genetics. This study developed a robust MLST scheme, revealing stable associations between emm types and genetic profiles, indicating clonal structures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is crucial for understanding microbial molecular epidemiology and population genetics.
- Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant human pathogen requiring detailed population structure analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for Streptococcus pyogenes.
- To investigate the population genetic structure and clonal relationships within Streptococcus pyogenes isolates.
Main Methods:
- Sequencing of internal fragments from seven housekeeping loci for 212 Streptococcus pyogenes isolates.
- Determination of allelic profiles and comparison with emm types.
- Analysis of isolate relatedness across different time periods and geographical locations.
Main Results:
- A total of 100 unique allelic profiles were identified among the 212 isolates.
- High concordance was observed between the MLST scheme and other typing methods.
- Stable associations between emm types and MLST profiles were documented, suggesting clonal complexes for most emm types.
Conclusions:
- The developed MLST scheme is a reliable tool for characterizing Streptococcus pyogenes.
- The majority of emm types represent distinct clones or clonal complexes.
- An accessible online MLST database facilitates further characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes isolates.