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[Study on types of M protein gene in group A streptococcus isolated from children in Beijing, 2011]

Jing Li1, Shuang Liu, Xiao-min Peng

  • 1School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.

Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine]
|February 1, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) emm gene typing in Beijing children revealed emm12 and emm1 as the most common types. Significant variations in emm type distribution were observed across different age groups and geographic locations.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a significant bacterial pathogen causing various infections in children.
  • The M protein gene (emm) is a key virulence factor and a primary target for typing GAS strains.
  • Understanding emm gene distribution is crucial for tracking GAS epidemiology and vaccine development.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the distribution characteristics of M protein gene (emm) types in GAS isolates from children in Beijing during 2011.
  • To compare the prevalence of different emm types and subtypes between scarlet fever and pharyngeal infection cases.
  • To analyze the variations in emm gene distribution based on patient age and geographic location (urban vs. suburb).

Summary:

  • A total of 610 GAS strains with identified emm genes were analyzed from 3315 pediatric patients with scarlet fever or pharyngeal infections.
  • The most prevalent emm types were emm12 (80.5%) and emm1 (18.0%), with emm12.00, emm1.00, and emm12.19 being the dominant subtypes.
  • Significant differences in emm type distribution were found between urban and suburban areas, as well as between different age groups (1-5 years vs. 6-18 years).

Impact:

  • This study provides valuable data on the emm gene profiles of GAS circulating in Beijing, contributing to regional epidemiological surveillance.
  • The identification of prevalent emm types and subtypes can inform the development of targeted GAS vaccines.
  • The observed variations in distribution highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of GAS strains to understand transmission dynamics and potential shifts in virulence or resistance.

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