Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
10:19
A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Invasive group A streptococcal infections in adults, France (2006-2010).
C Plainvert1, A Doloy, J Loubinoux
1Centre National de Référence des Streptocoques (CNR-Strep), Groupe Hospitalier Cochin-Hôtel Dieu-Broca, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
Summary
Severe invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease re-emerged, with emm1, emm28, and emm89 types dominating. While macrolide resistance decreased, emm1 strains remained susceptible to antibiotics, offering a hopeful outlook for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Severe invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) diseases have seen a resurgence in recent years.
- Understanding the current epidemiological landscape of GAS infections is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of invasive GAS strains in France between 2006 and 2010.
- To investigate the prevalence of emm types, superantigen genes, and antibiotic resistance patterns in invasive GAS isolates.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of questionnaires for all invasive GAS strains received by the National Reference Center for Streptococci (CNR-Strep) from adult patients (≥18 years).
- Characterization of strains using emm typing, spe gene detection, and antibiotic resistance profiling.
- Epidemiological data collection including patient demographics, clinical manifestations, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 1542 invasive GAS strains were studied, with 78% isolated from blood cultures.
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) was observed in 22% of cases, frequently associated with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and pleuro-pulmonary infections.
- The predominant emm types were emm1 (24%), emm28 (17%), and emm89 (15%), with emm28 showing a constant increase and emm1 decreasing significantly by 2010.
- Macrolide resistance decreased from 11% to 5% between 2006 and 2010.
- emm1 strains, linked to severe manifestations, remained susceptible to antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- The epidemiological landscape of invasive GAS infections in France is dynamic, with shifts in predominant emm types.
- While macrolide resistance is declining, the emergence and prevalence of specific emm types warrant continued surveillance.
- The sustained susceptibility of severe emm1 strains to antibiotics provides a critical therapeutic option.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Staphylococcal 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...
01:27Streptococcal 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...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:25Clinical 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...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...