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Hypervirulent emm59 Clone in Invasive Group A Streptococcus Outbreak, Southwestern United States
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 17, 2016
Abstract:
The hyper-virulent emm59 genotype of invasive group A Streptococcus was identified in northern Arizona in 2015. Eighteen isolates belonging to a genomic cluster grouped most closely with recently identified isolates in New Mexico. The continued transmission of emm59 in the southwestern United States poses a public health concern.
Insights
A hyper-virulent strain of invasive group A Streptococcus, genotype emm59, was found in Arizona and linked to cases in New Mexico. Continued spread of this emm59 strain in the Southwest is a public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections pose a significant public health threat.
- Specific genotypes, such as emm59, have emerged as hyper-virulent strains.
- Surveillance of GAS genotypes is crucial for understanding transmission dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the identification and genomic characterization of the emm59 genotype of iGAS in northern Arizona.
- To investigate the genetic relatedness of these isolates to other strains in the southwestern United States.
- To assess the public health implications of emm59 transmission in the region.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequencing of emm59 isolates from northern Arizona.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine genetic clustering.
- Comparison with publicly available genomic data of iGAS isolates.
Main Results:
- Eighteen emm59 iGAS isolates were identified in northern Arizona in 2015.
- These isolates formed a distinct genomic cluster.
- The cluster showed close genetic relatedness to iGAS isolates recently identified in New Mexico.
Conclusions:
- The emm59 genotype of iGAS is actively circulating in the southwestern United States.
- Genomic data suggests ongoing transmission and potential spread of this hyper-virulent strain.
- Continued surveillance is necessary to monitor and mitigate the public health impact of emm59 iGAS.
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