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M-Protein Analysis of Streptococcus pyogenes Isolates Associated with Acute Rheumatic Fever in New Zealand

Deborah A Williamson1, Pierre R Smeesters2, Andrew C Steer2

  • 1Institute of Environmental Science and Research, Wellington, New Zealand Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand debbie.williamson@otago.ac.nz.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 21, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Few rheumatogenic emm types were found in New Zealand strains of Streptococcus A, which cause acute rheumatic fever (ARF). A high proportion of emm types linked to skin infections suggest skin infection plays a role in ARF.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Streptococcus A is a significant pathogen globally.
  • Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a serious complication of Streptococcus A infection.
  • emm typing is a key method for characterizing Streptococcus A strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the emm types of Streptococcus A strains in New Zealand.
  • To determine the association between specific emm types and ARF in New Zealand.
  • To explore the potential role of skin infections in ARF pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Application of an emm cluster typing system.
  • Grouping of Streptococcus A strains from New Zealand.
  • Analysis of emm type distribution and clinical associations.

Main Results:

  • A low prevalence of traditional 'rheumatogenic' emm types was observed.
  • A high proportion of emm types previously associated with pyoderma (skin infection) were identified.
  • These findings suggest a potential link between skin-localized Streptococcus A infections and ARF.

Conclusions:

  • The emm type distribution in New Zealand differs from some other regions.
  • Skin infections caused by Streptococcus A may be a significant contributor to ARF development in this population.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of ARF, particularly the role of skin infections, is warranted.

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