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Molecular characterization of a strain of group a streptococcus isolated from a patient with a psoas abscess

Susanna K P Lau1, Patrick C Y Woo, Tak-ching Yim

  • 1Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|October 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

This study details the first documented case of a primary group A Streptococcus (GAS) psoas abscess in a woman, following a sore throat. The identified GAS strain was linked to invasive infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant human pathogen.
  • Psoas abscesses are typically associated with other bacterial species or conditions.
  • GAS invasive infections can lead to severe complications.

Observation:

  • A 31-year-old woman presented with a primary psoas abscess.
  • The abscess occurred subsequent to an acute pharyngitis episode.
  • The causative agent was identified as GAS.

Findings:

  • The GAS isolate possessed the M-protein gene (emm) and streptolysin S structural gene (sagA).
  • Genetic analysis revealed no significant amino acid differences compared to other M1 GAS isolates.
  • Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) identified the isolate as MLST sequence type (ST) 28, commonly found in invasive M1 GAS disease.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known clinical spectrum of GAS infections.
  • It highlights the potential for GAS to cause primary deep-tissue infections like psoas abscesses.
  • Understanding the genetic characteristics of GAS strains involved in invasive disease is crucial for public health surveillance and clinical management.

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