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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
08:03

Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations

Published on: December 7, 2021

Genomic analysis of Streptococcus pyogenes emm1-type isolates reveals M1UK circulation and a genetically distinct

Gisele Aparecida Bernardi1,2, Luiza Souza Rodrigues2, José Ferreira da Cunha Neto2

  • 1Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases - Pontifícia, Universidade Católica Do Paraná, Rua Imaculada Conceição, 1155, Curitiba, Paraná, 80215-901, Brazil.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|July 28, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) infections are a global concern. This study found the M1UK strain circulating in Brazil, but most emm1 isolates belong to a distinct Brazilian sublineage, emphasizing the need for genomic surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) causes a spectrum of diseases, from mild pharyngitis to severe invasive infections.
  • The emm1 type is globally prevalent, with the M1UK variant showing increased transmissibility due to higher speA expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To genomically characterize invasive GAS isolates from severe cases and outbreaks in Brazil.
  • To compare Brazilian emm1 isolates with global M1global and M1UK strains.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of 229 invasive GAS isolates from Brazil (Jan 2023-Nov 2024).
  • Analysis of emm types, lineage, and virulence genes.
  • Comparative genomics with global M1global and M1UK genomes.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-four emm types were identified; emm1 comprised 52.4% of isolates.
  • M1UK clones were detected in multiple Brazilian regions (14% of emm1 isolates).
  • The majority of emm1 isolates formed a distinct Brazilian sublineage (Br clade), separate from M1UK.

Conclusions:

  • The M1UK lineage is circulating in Brazil.
  • The predominant emm1 sublineage in Brazil is the distinct Br clade, differing from global M1UK dominance.
  • Genomic surveillance is crucial for monitoring and controlling invasive GAS infections.
Keywords:
Emm-typeStreptococcus pyogenesGroup A beta-haemolytic StreptococcusWhole genome sequencing

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