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Published on: July 9, 2012
A comprehensive analysis of antimicrobial resistance of clinical emm89 Streptococcus pyogenes in Japan
Weichen Gong1,2, Masayuki Ono1,3, Masaya Yamaguchi1,3,4,5,6
1Department of Microbiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan.
Objectives:
Streptococcus pyogenes is involved in a wide range of diseases, including pharyngitis and life-threatening invasive infections. Increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been reported worldwide in various bacteria, limiting the use of antibiotics in infection cases. The present study investigated the AMR of most prevalent S. pyogenes emm types, including emm89 strains in Japan.
Methods:
A total of 368 previously identified S. pyogenes isolates (311 emm89 strains and 57 of other emm types), which were previously isolated from patients with invasive and non-invasive infections throughout Japan, were used in the analyses. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of seven antibiotics, including penicillin-G, azithromycin (AZM) and clindamycin, were determined, and whole-genome sequences of AMR-associated genes were screened.
Results:
We identified 47 resistant strains, of which 91.49% (43/47) were resistant to AZM and/or clindamycin. A strong correlation was observed between non-invasive phenotypes and AMR. Whole-genome analysis indicated the wide distribution of three AMR-related genes, ermT, folP and lmrP, among the emm89 strains. Additionally, tetO was detected in tetracycline-resistance and soxS and mel was detected in chloramphenicol-resistance only in emm4 strains.
Conclusions:
The high prevalence of S. pyogenes resistance to AZM and/or clindamycin poses a threat to public health in Japan; thus, the development of next-generation antimicrobial therapies is imperative.
Insights
High rates of Streptococcus pyogenes resistance to azithromycin and clindamycin were found in Japan. This antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in emm89 strains, linked to non-invasive infections, necessitates new treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genomics
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes causes diverse infections, from pharyngitis to invasive disease.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in S. pyogenes is a growing global concern, limiting treatment options.
- Specific emm types, particularly emm89, are prevalent in Japan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial resistance patterns of prevalent S. pyogenes emm types in Japan.
- To identify specific AMR-associated genes contributing to resistance.
- To assess the correlation between AMR and infection phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 368 S. pyogenes isolates (311 emm89, 57 other emm types) from Japanese patients.
- Determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations for seven antibiotics, including azithromycin (AZM) and clindamycin.
- Whole-genome sequencing to screen for AMR-associated genes.
Main Results:
- 47 resistant strains were identified; 91.49% showed resistance to AZM and/or clindamycin.
- A significant correlation was found between non-invasive phenotypes and AMR.
- Genes ermT, folP, and lmrP were widely distributed in emm89 strains; tetO, soxS, and mel were found in emm4 strains.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of S. pyogenes resistance to AZM and clindamycin in Japan poses a public health threat.
- The findings highlight the urgent need for developing novel antimicrobial therapies.
- Understanding AMR mechanisms in prevalent S. pyogenes strains is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
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