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A Rapid Molecular Detection Tool for Toxigenic M1UK Streptococcus pyogenes.
Stephan Brouwer1, Swairindhree Das2, Andrew J Hayes3
1Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre and Institute for Molecular Bioscience.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 29, 2024
Summary
A new real-time PCR assay effectively detects the emerging Streptococcus pyogenes M1UK strain, a global health threat. This tool aids surveillance of the M1UK clone, which is linked to scarlet fever outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- The Streptococcus pyogenes M1global genotype is being replaced by the M1UK variant, posing a global health risk.
- The M1UK variant has 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and increased speA superantigen expression compared to M1global.
- Increased surveillance is necessary due to the emergence of the M1UK clone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid detection method for M1UK strains.
- To determine the emm (sub)type distribution of S. pyogenes clinical isolates.
- To enhance surveillance of the M1UK clone.
Main Methods:
- Development of an allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for M1UK detection.
- Utilizing whole genome sequencing for emm (sub)type analysis.
- Analysis of 51 S. pyogenes clinical isolates (9 invasive, 42 noninvasive).
Main Results:
- Emm1 was the most common S. pyogenes serotype (n=11).
- M1UK was the dominant emm1 genotype in both invasive (4/5) and noninvasive (3/6) isolates.
- Whole genome sequencing confirmed the presence of Australian M1UK sublineages linked to scarlet fever in Asia.
Conclusions:
- A reliable target for detecting the toxigenic M1UK strain has been established.
- The study confirms the continued presence and circulation of M1UK strains in Queensland, Australia.
- The developed assay is a valuable, cost-effective tool for enhancing M1UK clone surveillance in laboratories.
