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The Emergence and Impact of the M1UK Lineage on Invasive Group A Streptococcus Disease in Aotearoa New Zealand
Anna Vesty1,2, Xiaoyun Ren1, Prachi Sharma2
1The Institute of Environment Science and Research, Porirua, New Zealand.
Abstract:
M1UK is associated with current surges in invasive infection globally, partly due to increased production of superantigen streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A. We show that M1UK is now the dominant invasive emm1 lineage in Aotearoa New Zealand and is genomically related to community infections, suggesting that measures that effectively prevent group A Streptococcus pharyngitis in children could reduce invasive disease.
Insights
The M1UK strain of group A Streptococcus causes invasive infections worldwide. Preventing childhood pharyngitis may reduce invasive M1UK disease in New Zealand.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- The M1UK strain of group A Streptococcus (GAS) is linked to global increases in invasive infections.
- Increased production of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A contributes to M1UK virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and genomic characteristics of the M1UK lineage in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- To explore the potential link between community-acquired infections and invasive M1UK disease.
Main Methods:
- Genomic sequencing of invasive and non-invasive GAS isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine lineage relationships.
Main Results:
- The M1UK lineage is the predominant invasive emm1 strain in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Genomic data indicate a relationship between M1UK invasive infections and community-acquired infections.
Conclusions:
- Public health strategies targeting childhood group A Streptococcus pharyngitis could mitigate invasive M1UK disease.
- Understanding GAS epidemiology is crucial for controlling invasive infections.
