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Prevalence of the speA2 and speA3 alleles in Streptococcus pyogenes isolated from TSLS patients in Japan

M Matsumoto1, T Murai, S Ichiyama

  • 1Department of Bacteriology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan.

FEMS Microbiology Letters
|May 15, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) is linked to specific M-types of S. pyogenes bacteria. This study found that prevalent speA alleles, speA2 and speA3, are disseminating in Japan, associated with TSLS cases.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (TSLS) has been reported in over 100 cases in Japan since 1993.
  • A significant proportion (69%) of S. pyogenes isolates linked to TSLS are M-types 1 and 3.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of speA alleles in S. pyogenes isolates associated with TSLS in Japan.
  • To determine the association between specific M-types (1 and 3) and speA alleles (speA2 and speA3).

Main Methods:

  • Nucleotide sequencing of the speA allele region was performed on S. pyogenes isolates from TSLS cases.
  • Isolates included M-types 1 and 3, as well as other M-types, regardless of their source.

Main Results:

  • All M-type 1 and M-type 3 S. pyogenes isolates carried specific speA alleles: speA2 and speA3, respectively.
  • These speA alleles (speA2 and speA3) were also found in isolates of other M-types.
  • The findings confirm the presence and dissemination of these globally prevalent speA alleles within Japan.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the significant role of speA2 and speA3 alleles in S. pyogenes isolates causing TSLS in Japan.
  • The dissemination of these specific alleles suggests a potential mechanism for the spread of virulent S. pyogenes strains.

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