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Published on: February 23, 2018
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.
Background:
The gradual replacement of the Streptococcus pyogenes M1global genotype by a newly emergent M1UK variant is a global public health threat warranting increased surveillance. M1UK differs from progenitor M1global genotype by 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and is characterized by increased speA superantigen expression in vitro.
Methods:
An allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was developed for the rapid detection of M1UK strains. The assay was used in combination with whole genome sequencing to determine emm (sub)type distribution for 51 invasive (n = 9) and noninvasive (n = 42) S pyogenes clinical isolates.
Results:
Emm1 was the most prevalent S pyogenes emm serotype (n = 11) in this set of clinical isolates, with M1UK being the dominant emm1 genotype (4/5 invasive, 3/6 noninvasive isolates). The assay accurately detected M1UK strains. Whole genome sequencing revealed continued presence of Australian M1UK sublineages associated with epidemic scarlet fever-causing S pyogenes in Asia.
Conclusions:
Our study establishes a suitable target for detection of the toxigenic M1UK and confirms the maintenance of M1UK strains in Queensland, Australia. This assay can be deployed in laboratories and provides a valuable, cost-effective tool to enhance surveillance of the expanding M1UK clone.
Insights
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.
