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Published on: November 4, 2016
M protein gene (emm type) analysis of group A Streptococcus isolates recovered during an acute glomerulonephritis
David J Speers1, Avram Levy2, Adanech Gichamo3
1Department of Microbiology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Australia; School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia.
Abstract:
Certain M protein types of group A streptococcus (GAS) are known to cause acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). Outbreaks of APSGN can occur regularly in tropical regions but the emm types responsible are geographically and temporally diverse. GAS isolates from Western Australia (WA) were analysed for emm type and emm cluster during the period of increased APSGN activity in the tropical northern Kimberley region of WA. Although emm types 49, 75 and 108 and corresponding emm clusters E3, E6 and D4 were more common in WA during the outbreak there was no predominant circulating emm type or cluster found to correspond to the APSGN activity. This is consistent with the high diversity of GAS strains found during APSGN outbreaks in other countries. Potential vaccine coverage of the new 30-valent M-protein GAS vaccine was 70%.
Insights
Certain M protein types of group A Streptococcus (GAS) cause acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). Analysis of GAS strains in Western Australia during an APSGN outbreak revealed high emm type diversity, with no single predominant type identified.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Certain M protein types of group A Streptococcus (GAS) are linked to acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN).
- APSGN outbreaks are common in tropical areas, with diverse emm types implicated.
- Understanding circulating GAS strains is crucial for managing APSGN outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze emm types and clusters of GAS isolates from Western Australia during an APSGN outbreak.
- To determine if a predominant emm type or cluster correlated with APSGN activity in the region.
- To assess the potential coverage of a new 30-valent GAS M-protein vaccine.
Main Methods:
- Collection and emm typing of GAS isolates from Western Australia.
- Analysis of emm types and clusters in relation to APSGN activity.
- Calculation of potential vaccine coverage based on identified emm types.
Main Results:
- While emm types 49, 75, and 108 (clusters E3, E6, D4) were more prevalent, no single predominant emm type or cluster was identified during the APSGN outbreak.
- The findings align with observations of high GAS strain diversity during APSGN outbreaks globally.
- The analyzed GAS strains indicated a potential vaccine coverage of 70% for a new 30-valent M-protein vaccine.
Conclusions:
- GAS strain diversity, rather than a single predominant type, characterized the APSGN outbreak in the tropical northern Kimberley region of WA.
- Effective management and prevention strategies for APSGN may need to account for this genetic diversity.
- A new 30-valent M-protein vaccine shows promising coverage against the circulating GAS strains.
