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Erysipelas caused by group A streptococcus activates the contact system and induces the release of heparin-binding

Adam Linder1, Linda Johansson, Pontus Thulin

  • 1Division of Infection Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|January 29, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Group A Streptococcus causes bacterial skin infections like erysipelas. These bacteria activate the contact system and release heparin-binding protein (HBP), leading to symptoms such as fever and rash.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Bacterial skin infections, including erysipelas and cellulitis, are common but their pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Accurate bacterial diagnosis is often challenging, hindering research into disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of erysipelas.
  • To identify the causative agent and understand its role in disease manifestation.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial cultures and antibody detection were performed on patient samples.
  • Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analyses were used to examine skin biopsies.
  • Levels of specific proteins and receptors in infected and non-infected tissues were quantified.

Main Results:

  • Group A Streptococcus was identified as the causative agent in 11 out of 12 erysipelas patients.
  • Electron microscopy confirmed Streptococcus presence and M protein solubilization.
  • Contact system activation, bradykinin-1 receptor upregulation, and increased heparin-binding protein (HBP) release were observed in infected tissues.

Conclusions:

  • Group A Streptococcus plays a key role in erysipelas pathogenesis.
  • Contact system activation and HBP release by Streptococcus likely contribute to erysipelas symptoms like fever, pain, and erythema.

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