Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
06:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Molecular characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes isolates to investigate an outbreak of puerperal sepsis

Josette Raymond1, Laurent Schlegel, Fabien Garnier

  • 1Microbiology Department, Hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul, Paris V University, Paris, France.

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|June 16, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microbiological analysis of a postpartum endometritis outbreak revealed cross-contamination among patients due to Streptococcus pyogenes. Different strains can circulate during an outbreak, with one predominant strain persisting for months.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Postpartum endometritis is a significant concern in maternal healthcare.
  • Understanding the microbiological and epidemiological features of outbreaks is crucial for effective control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the microbiological and epidemiological aspects of a Streptococcus pyogenes outbreak of postpartum endometritis.
  • To identify the strains involved and their transmission dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated isolates from five patients and three throat carriers of Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • Employed molecular techniques: biotyping, T-serotyping, emm gene sequencing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis.

Main Results:

  • Genotypic and phenotypic data indicated cross-contamination among three patients with biotype 1, T type 28, and emm type 28 isolates.
  • Minor variations were observed in isolates from one patient and one carrier compared to the index case.
  • Other isolates were phenotypically and genetically distinct.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple Streptococcus pyogenes strains can coexist during an endometritis outbreak.
  • A predominant strain may remain prevalent for an extended period, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring.

Related Concept Videos

Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Investigation of Disease Outbreaks01:23

Investigation of Disease Outbreaks

Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
Modern Molecular Taxonomy01:29

Modern Molecular Taxonomy

Advancements in molecular biology have revolutionized the identification and characterization of bacteria, with multiple methods leveraging DNA sequencing for enhanced precision. As sequencing technologies improve and costs decline, these approaches are increasingly used in clinical, environmental, and evolutionary studies.Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) examines several housekeeping genes, essential chromosomal genes encoding cellular functions, to distinguish strains. Approximately...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence01:20

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...