Subtyping of emm1 group A Streptococci causing invasive infections in France

P Bidet1, E Lesteven, C Doit

  • 1Laboratoire d'Etudes de Génétique Bactérienne dans les Infections de l'Enfant, Université Paris VII, UFR Médicale, EA 3105, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.

Insights

Researchers identified 24 distinct genetic types of M/emm1 group A Streptococcus bacteria in France. This study analyzed strains from both infected individuals and control cases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant human pathogen.
  • The M/emm1 genotype is a common and often invasive type of GAS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To genetically characterize M/emm1 group A Streptococcus strains.
  • To investigate the genetic diversity of M/emm1 GAS in France.

Main Methods:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of toxin-encoding genes.
  • Sequencing of the sic gene for genotyping.

Main Results:

  • 24 distinct genotypes were identified among 47 M/emm1 GAS isolates.
  • Strains were isolated from children and adults in France.
  • Infections included 9 cases with four clusters and 38 unrelated invasive cases.

Conclusions:

  • Significant genetic diversity exists within the M/emm1 GAS population in France.
  • Genotyping methods can effectively differentiate GAS strains.

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...
Staphylococcal Skin Infections01:29

Staphylococcal Skin Infections

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive coccus that resides harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy individuals. When the skin barrier is breached, it can shift from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. This transition is facilitated by surface adhesins, such as clumping factor B and S. aureus surface protein G (SasG), which bind to structural proteins, including loricrin and cytokeratin, in the damaged epidermis. Protein A, another key factor, binds the Fc region of...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes01:30

Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes

Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased by a...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria01:30

Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria

Coryneform bacteria are gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile rods that exhibit irregular, club-shaped, or V-shaped arrangements. Their V-shape results from snapping division, where the inner cell wall layer forms the cross-wall, while the outer layer remains intact until it ruptures on one side, causing the daughter cells to bend away.The primary genera are Corynebacterium and Arthrobacter. Corynebacterium includes diverse species, ranging from saprophytes to pathogens like Corynebacterium...