[Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections (2011-2018): EMM-type and clinical presentation]
María José González-Abad1, Mercedes Alonso Sanz1
1Sección de Microbiología, Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, España.
Introduction:
Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is an important human pathogen that is responsible for a broad range of infections, from uncomplicated to more severe and invasive diseases with high morbidity/mortality. The M protein (emm type) is a critical virulence factor. Several studies have shown an increased incidence of invasive S. pyogenes disease. This was associated with an increase in the prevalence of M1 and M3 types, well-recognised virulent M types. The aim of the present study was to confirm the resurgence of invasive S. pyogenes disease during 2011-2018 and to identify the relationship between specific M types with disease presentation.
Material And Methods:
Isolates were confirmed using standard techniques: colony morphology, β-haemolysis, biochemical tests, and agglutination with specific antisera (DiaMondiaL Strep Kit, DiaMondiaL, Langenhagen, Germany). The antibiotic sensitivity was performed using microdilution (Vitek®2 Compact, bioMeriéux, Inc., Durham, NC). Molecular analysis included the determination of the emm gene and superantigen profile.
Results:
A total of 29 invasive isolates were collected (2011-2018) from blood (16), pleural fluid (9), synovial fluid (3), and cerebrospinal fluid (1). One strain per year was isolated between 2011 and 2013, with 2, 5, 4, 6, and 9 strains being isolated between 2014 and 2018, respectively. The most frequent clinical presentations were bacteraemia and pneumonia (10 and 9 cases). The predominant types were M1 (11 isolates) and M3 (3 isolates). A correlation was found between M1 and M3 types, and pneumonia (6/7 cases) and deep soft tissue infections (3/3 cases).
Conclusions:
An increased incidence of invasive S. pyogenes disease was observed during the study period, with M1 and M3 types being those most commonly isolated and associated with pneumonia and deep soft tissue infections.
Insights
Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections increased from 2011-2018, with M1 and M3 types being most common. These M types were linked to pneumonia and deep soft tissue infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) causes significant human infections, ranging from mild to severe invasive diseases.
- The M protein (emm type) is a key virulence factor in S. pyogenes.
- Recent years have seen a rise in invasive S. pyogenes disease, particularly linked to M1 and M3 types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the resurgence of invasive S. pyogenes disease between 2011 and 2018.
- To investigate the association between specific S. pyogenes M types and clinical disease presentation.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques and confirmed with specific antisera.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using microdilution methods.
- Molecular analysis included emm gene sequencing and superantigen profiling.
Main Results:
- Twenty-nine invasive S. pyogenes isolates were collected between 2011 and 2018.
- The incidence of invasive isolates increased annually from 2014 onwards.
- M1 (11 isolates) and M3 (3 isolates) were the predominant types, strongly correlated with pneumonia and deep soft tissue infections.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms an increased incidence of invasive S. pyogenes disease during the 2011-2018 period.
- M1 and M3 S. pyogenes types were most frequently isolated.
- These prevalent M types were significantly associated with severe clinical presentations like pneumonia and deep soft tissue infections.
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