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Emerging Invasive Group A Streptococcus M1UK Lineage Detected by Allele-Specific PCR, England, 20201
Abstract:
Increasing reports of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections mandate surveillance for toxigenic lineage M1UK. An allele-specific PCR was developed to distinguish M1UK from other emm1 strains. The M1UK lineage represented 91% of invasive emm1 isolates in England in 2020. Allele-specific PCR will permit surveillance for M1UK without need for genome sequencing.
Insights
Surveillance for invasive Streptococcus pyogenes is crucial. A new PCR method effectively identifies the M1UK strain, which dominated invasive emm1 isolates in England in 2020, without requiring genome sequencing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections are increasing.
- The toxigenic M1UK lineage is a significant concern for public health.
- Accurate surveillance methods are needed to track this pathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a molecular method for identifying the M1UK lineage of Streptococcus pyogenes.
- To enable targeted surveillance of invasive M1UK strains.
Main Methods:
- Development of an allele-specific PCR assay.
- Distinguishing M1UK strains from other emm1 strains using the developed PCR.
Main Results:
- The allele-specific PCR successfully differentiated M1UK from other emm1 strains.
- The M1UK lineage comprised 91% of invasive emm1 isolates in England in 2020.
- The PCR method provides a viable alternative to genome sequencing for surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Allele-specific PCR is an effective tool for surveillance of the M1UK lineage.
- This method can facilitate monitoring of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections.
- The findings support the implementation of targeted surveillance strategies.
