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.

PubMed
Abstract

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.

Related Concept Videos

Antimicrobial Effectiveness01:28

Antimicrobial Effectiveness

The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...
Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence01:20

Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence

Pathogenic bacteria employ a variety of strategies to establish infections, including the secretion of extracellular enzymes that act as potent virulence factors. These enzymes facilitate bacterial colonization of host tissues and help evade immune surveillance. By targeting structural components of host tissues and interfering with immune mechanisms, these enzymes play a pivotal role in disease progression.Extracellular Enzymes Facilitating Tissue Invasion: Several bacterial pathogens secrete...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...