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Alcolea-Medina A, Snell LB, Alder C, Charalampous T, Williams TGS, Tan MKI, Al-Yaakoubi N, Humayun G, Newsholme W, Goldenberg S, Nebbia G, Neil SJD, Batra R, Edgeworth JD. The ongoing Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) outbreak in London, United Kingdom, in December 2022: a molecular epidemiology study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:887-890. [PMID: 36925107 PMCID: PMC10769882 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epidemiological and whole-genome sequencing analysis of an ongoing outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) in London (United Kingdom). METHODS Prospective identification of Group A Streptococcus cases from a diagnostic laboratory serving central and south London between 27 November and 10 December 2022. Case notes were reviewed and isolates were retrieved. Case numbers were compared with the previous 5 years. Whole-genome sequencing was performed with long-read, nanopore technology for emm typing and identification of superantigen genes. Associations of pathogen-related factors with an invasive disease were assessed by single-variable and multi-variable logistic regression. RESULTS Case numbers began increasing in October 2022 from a baseline of 2.0 cases per day, and in December 2022, the average daily case numbers reached 10.8 cases per day, four-fold the number usually seen in winter. A total of 113 cases were identified during the prospective study period. Three quarters (86/113, 76%) were paediatric cases, including 2 deaths. Of 113 cases, 11 (10%) were invasive. In total, 56 isolates were successfully sequenced, including 10 of 11 (91%) invasive isolates. The emm12 (33/56, 59%) and emm1 (9/56, 16%) types were predominant, with 7 of 9 (78%) emm1 isolates being from the M1uk clone. The majority of invasive isolates had superantigen genes spea (7/10, 70%) and spej (8/10, 80%), whereas, in non-invasive isolates, these superantigen genes were found less frequently (spea: 5/46, 11% and spej: 7/46, 15%). By multivariable analysis of pathogen-related factors, spea (OR 8.9, CI 1.4-57, p 0.020) and spej (OR 12, CI 1.8-78, p 0.011) were associated with invasive disease. CONCLUSIONS emm12 and emm1 types predominate in the ongoing outbreak, which mainly affects children. In this outbreak, the spea and spej superantigen genes are associated with the severity of presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Alcolea-Medina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, UK; Infection Sciences, Synnovis, London, UK
| | - Luke B Snell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Christopher Alder
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Tom G S Williams
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mark K I Tan
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Noor Al-Yaakoubi
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gul Humayun
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - William Newsholme
- Department of Infection, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Simon Goldenberg
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Infection, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gaia Nebbia
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stuart J D Neil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rahul Batra
- Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan D Edgeworth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Clinical Diagnostics & Infectious Disease Research, Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Laakso JT, Rissanen V, Ruotsalainen E, Korpi J, Laulajainen‐Hongisto A, Sivonen V, Sinkkonen ST. Severe acute otitis media and mastoiditis caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2021; 6:1158-1166. [PMID: 34667861 PMCID: PMC8513450 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the characteristics, diagnostics, treatment, and outcome of severe acute otitis media (AOM) and acute mastoiditis (AM) caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS). STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. METHODS The yearly incidence of inpatient care-needing GAS AOM/AM patients in our hospital catchment area between 2002 and 2018 was investigated. A detailed analysis was performed for cases treated during the last GAS epidemic in 2017-2018. Anamnesis, signs and symptoms, pure-tone audiometry results, treatment, complications, and outcome were collected from medical charts. Patients responded to an otology-specific health-related quality of life survey (EOS-16) 1.5 to 3 years after their treatment. RESULTS The number of GAS infections peaks at approximately 7-year intervals. During 2017 and 2018, altogether 37 patients (29 adults and 8 children) were hospitalized due to GAS AOM/AM. AM was diagnosed in 14 (38%) patients. The disease progression was typically very rapid. At presentation, all patients had severe ear pain, 68% tympanic membrane perforation and discharge, 43% fever, and 43% vertigo. In pure-tone audiometry, there was usually a marked mixed hearing loss at presentation. There was a significant recovery in both air and bone conduction thresholds; the pure tone average improvement from presentation was 32.3 ± 14.8 dB. Rapid strep tests (RST) proved to be more sensitive than bacterial culture in identifying GAS as a cause of AOM/AM. CONCLUSION GAS AOM/AM has a rapid onset. Hearing loss usually includes a sensorineural component, which is usually reversible with adequate treatment. RST seems to be useful in detecting GAS from middle ear discharge. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha T. Laakso
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck CenterHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Valtteri Rissanen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck CenterHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Eeva Ruotsalainen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of MedicineHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Jarkko Korpi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck CenterHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Anu Laulajainen‐Hongisto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck CenterHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Ville Sivonen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck CenterHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Saku T. Sinkkonen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck CenterHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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Rebechi MT, Heil EL, Luethy PM, Schmalzle SA. Streptococcus pyogenes Infective Endocarditis-Association With Injection Drug Use: Case Series and Review of the Literature. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab240. [PMID: 34262985 PMCID: PMC8274460 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus (GAS), is not considered a typical cause of infective endocarditis (IE), but has anecdotally been observed in unexpectedly high rates in people who inject drugs (PWID) at our institution. METHODS All cases of possible or definite GAS IE per Modified Duke Criteria in adults at an academic hospital between 11/15/2015 and 11/15/2020 were identified. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, treatment, and outcomes related to GAS IE. The literature on cases of GAS IE was reviewed. RESULTS Eighteen cases of probable (11) or definite (7) GAS IE were identified; the mean age was 38 years, and the population was predominantly female (56%) and Caucasian (67%), which is inconsistent with local population demographics. Sixteen cases were in people who inject drugs (PWID; 89%); 14 were also homeless, 6 also had HIV (33%), and 2 were also pregnant. Antibiotic regimens were variable due to polymicrobial bacteremia (39%). One patient underwent surgical valve replacement. Four patients (22%) died due to complications of infection. The literature review revealed 42 adult cases of GAS IE, only 17 of which were in PWID (24%). CONCLUSIONS The 16 cases of possible and definite GAS IE in PWID over a 5-year period in a single institution reported nearly doubles the number of cases in PWID from all previous reports. This suggests a potential increase in GAS IE particularly in PWID and PWH, which warrants further epidemiologic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily L Heil
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul M Luethy
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah A Schmalzle
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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4
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Molina MF, Szyld D, Wilcox SR, Wittels KA. An Ominous Rash. J Emerg Med 2020; 59:435-438. [PMID: 32800638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie F Molina
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Demian Szyld
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Susan R Wilcox
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathleen A Wittels
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Bruun T, Rath E, Oppegaard O, Skrede S. Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci and Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1294:73-86. [PMID: 33079364 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57616-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
β-hemolytic streptococci are major causes of necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs), Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus; GAS) in particular. NSTIs caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae (SD) have also been reported. In the INFECT cohort of 409 NSTIs patients, more than a third of the cases were caused by GAS (31%) or SD (7%). Risk factors of streptococcal NSTIs compared to streptococcal cellulitis have previously been largely unknown. The INFECT study confirmed blunt trauma as an important risk factor. In addition, absence of pre-existing skin lesions and a lower BMI were associated with NSTIs. The study also confirmed that septic shock is more frequent in GAS cases than in other types of NSTIs. Septic shock was also among several predictors of mortality. The role of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in streptococcal NSTIs has been unclear. In the INFECT cohort, IVIG treatment was associated with increased survival. As in other studies, a significant microbial diversity was observed, but with predominance of a few emm types. Overall, the INFECT study gives a comprehensive and contemporary picture of the clinical characteristics and the microbes involved in streptococcal NSTIs. The reported severity of disease underscores the need for new efforts aimed at identifying novel diagnostic measures and improved treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Bruun
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eivind Rath
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Oddvar Oppegaard
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Steinar Skrede
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Pandey M, Calcutt A, Ozberk V, Chen Z, Croxen M, Powell J, Langshaw E, Mills JL, Jen FEC, McCluskey J, Robson J, Tyrrell GJ, Good MF. Antibodies to the conserved region of the M protein and a streptococcal superantigen cooperatively resolve toxic shock-like syndrome in HLA-humanized mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaax3013. [PMID: 31517054 PMCID: PMC6726444 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax3013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Invasive streptococcal disease (ISD) and toxic shock syndrome (STSS) result in over 160,000 deaths each year. We modelled these in HLA-transgenic mice infected with a clinically lethal isolate expressing Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (Spe) C and demonstrate that both SpeC and streptococcal M protein, acting cooperatively, are required for disease. Vaccination with a conserved M protein peptide, J8, protects against STSS by causing a dramatic reduction in bacterial burden associated with the absence of SpeC and inflammatory cytokines in the blood. Furthermore, passive immunotherapy with antibodies to J8 quickly resolves established disease by clearing the infection and ablating the inflammatory activity of the M protein, which is further enhanced by addition of SpeC antibodies. Analysis of 77 recent isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes causing ISD, demonstrated that anti-J8 antibodies theoretically recognize at least 73, providing strong support for using antibodies to J8, with or without antibodies to SpeC, as a therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Pandey
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- Corresponding author. (M.F.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Ainslie Calcutt
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Victoria Ozberk
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Zhenjun Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew Croxen
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta and ProvLab, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jessica Powell
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Emma Langshaw
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jamie-Lee Mills
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Freda E.-C. Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - James McCluskey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jenny Robson
- Sullivan and Nicolaides Pathology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gregory J. Tyrrell
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta and ProvLab, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Michael F. Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- Corresponding author. (M.F.G.); (M.P.)
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7
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Imöhl M, Fitzner C, Perniciaro S, van der Linden M. Epidemiology and distribution of 10 superantigens among invasive Streptococcus pyogenes disease in Germany from 2009 to 2014. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180757. [PMID: 28719668 PMCID: PMC5515411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A nationwide laboratory-based surveillance study of invasive S. pyogenes infections was conducted in Germany. Invasive isolates (n = 719) were obtained between 2009 and 2014. Most isolates were obtained from blood (92.1%). The proportions of isolates from cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, synovial fluid and peritoneal fluid were 3.9%, 1.8%, 1.7% and 0.6%, respectively. The most common emm types were emm 1 (31.8%), emm 28 (15.4%) and emm 89 (14.5%). The most common superantigen genes (speA, speC, speG, speH, speI, speJ, speK, speL, speM, ssa) identified from S. pyogenes were speG (92.1%), speJ (50.9%), and speC (42.0%). Significant associations of superantigen genes with underlying conditions or risks were observed in speG, speH, speJ, and speK. Significant associations between emm types or superantigen genes with clinical complications were observed in emm type 3 and in superantigen gene speA 1-3. Most frequent clinical manifestations included sepsis 59.4%, STSS 6.3%, meningitis 5.4%, and necrotizing fasciitis 5.0% (significantly associated with emm1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Imöhl
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and National Reference Center for Streptococci, University Hospital (RWTH), Aachen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Christina Fitzner
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Hospital (RWTH), Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Perniciaro
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and National Reference Center for Streptococci, University Hospital (RWTH), Aachen, Germany
| | - Mark van der Linden
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and National Reference Center for Streptococci, University Hospital (RWTH), Aachen, Germany
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Golińska E, van der Linden M, Więcek G, Mikołajczyk D, Machul A, Samet A, Piórkowska A, Dorycka M, Heczko PB, Strus M. Virulence factors of Streptococcus pyogenes strains from women in peri-labor with invasive infections. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 35:747-54. [PMID: 26873375 PMCID: PMC4840219 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-016-2593-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections constitute an important epidemiological problem. Many cases occur in women during the postnatal period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of the genes responsible for production of iron-chelating protein (perR) and superantigens (speA, speB, speC, speF, speG, speH, speI, speJ, speK, speL, speM, smeZ, and ssa) in S. pyogenes strains isolated from invasive infections in women after delivery. Furthermore, this study sought to verify whether S. pyogenes strains show special phenotypic and genotypic (sla, spy1325) characteristics that may play a decisive role in adherence to the genital tract epithelium. Moreover, the emm-types and antibiotic susceptibility were determined. We tested 30 invasive S. pyogenes strains isolated from postpartum invasive infection and 37 GAS control strains isolated from the genital tracts of asymptomatic multiparous women. The majority of the tested strains were shown to express two types of emm genes (1 and 28), though emm -12, -28, -75 and -89 were uniquely expressed in the group of strains isolated from invasive infections. A significantly higher prevalence of perR in the strains from puerperal fever was shown. Significant differences were also found between the two groups with respect to the incidence of the genes related to adherence; GAS strains originating from women with sepsis/puerperal fever showed presence of these genes less frequently than those of the control group. Although differences in frequencies of the gene coding for various superantigens were noted between the compared groups of GAS strains, they were not significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Golińska
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, 18 Czysta Str., 31-121, Kracow, Poland
| | - M van der Linden
- Institute of Microbiology, RWTH Aachen University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - G Więcek
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, 18 Czysta Str., 31-121, Kracow, Poland
| | - D Mikołajczyk
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, 18 Czysta Str., 31-121, Kracow, Poland
| | - A Machul
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, 18 Czysta Str., 31-121, Kracow, Poland
| | - A Samet
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Clinical Center in Gdansk, 7 Debinki Str., 80-952, Gdansk, Poland
| | - A Piórkowska
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Clinical Center in Gdansk, 7 Debinki Str., 80-952, Gdansk, Poland
| | - M Dorycka
- Microbiological Laboratory, Diagnostics Inc., Kracow Branch, Na Skarpie 66 axis, 31-913, Kracow, Poland
| | - P B Heczko
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, 18 Czysta Str., 31-121, Kracow, Poland
| | - M Strus
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, 18 Czysta Str., 31-121, Kracow, Poland.
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9
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Mathur P, Bhardwaj N, Gupta G, Punia P, Tak V, John NV, Agrawal D, Misra MC. Outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes emm type 58 in a high dependency unit of a level-1 trauma center of India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2014; 18:77-82. [PMID: 24678149 PMCID: PMC3943131 DOI: 10.4103/0972-5229.126076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) can cause illnesses ranging from self-limited to severe, life-threatening, invasive infections. The objective of the following study was to investigate a suspected Streptococcus pyogenes outbreak in a high dependency unit (HDU) of our trauma center. Materials and Methods: All the isolates of beta hemolytic Streptococci were identified by standard microbiological methods, Vitek 2 system and latex agglutination tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. Exotoxin genes, including speA, speB, speC, speF, smeZ, ssa, speG, speH, speJ, speL, speM and speI were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The emm types of isolates of S. pyogenes were determined by sequencing the variable 5’ end of emm gene after amplification by PCR. Results: In a 28 bedded poly-trauma ward with a four bedded HDU three out of four patients developed S. pyogenes emm type 58 infection. The strain was macrolide and tetracycline resistant and produced the Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins speB, speC, speG, speF and smeZ. Surveillance sampling was done for investigation from patients, health-care workers and environmental samples. Conclusion: An outbreak of GAS infections was established caused by the uncommonly reported emm type 58. The outbreak was controlled by prompt treatment, intensive surveillance, feedback and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purva Mathur
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology Section, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nidhi Bhardwaj
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology Section, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Gunjan Gupta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology Section, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Parul Punia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology Section, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vibhor Tak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology Section, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Nibu Varghese John
- Department of Hospital Infection Control, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepak Agrawal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manesh C Misra
- Department of Surgery, Jai Prakash Narain Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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10
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Abstract
Diseases caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus, GAS) range from superficial infections such as pharyngitis and impetigo to potentially fatal rheumatic heart disease and invasive disease. Studies spanning emm-typing surveillance to population genomics are providing new insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and biology of this organism. Such studies have demonstrated the differences that exist in the epidemiology of streptococcal disease between developing and developed nations. In developing nations, where streptococcal disease is endemic, the diversity of GAS emm-types circulating is much greater than that found in developed nations. An association between emm-type and disease, as observed in developed countries is also lacking. Intriguingly, comparative genetic studies suggest that emm-type is not always a good predictor of the evolutionary relatedness of geographically distant isolates. A view of GAS as a highly dynamic organism, in possession of a core set of virulence genes that contribute to host niche specialization and common pathogenic processes, augmented by accessory genes that change the relative virulence of specific lineages is emerging. Our inability to definitively identify genetic factors that contribute to specific disease outcome underscores the complex nature of streptococcal diseases.
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11
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Imöhl M, van der Linden M, Reinert RR, Ritter K. Invasive group A streptococcal disease and association with varicella in Germany, 1996–2009. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 62:101-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2011.00788.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Strus M, Drzewiecki A, Chmielarczyk A, Tomusiak A, Romanek P, Kosowski K, Kochan P, van der Linden M, Lütticken R, Heczko P. Microbiological investigation of a hospital outbreak of invasive group A streptococcal disease in Krakow, Poland. Clin Microbiol Infect 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2010.03139.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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13
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Imöhl M, Reinert RR, Ocklenburg C, van der Linden M. Epidemiology of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes disease in Germany during 2003-2007. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 58:389-96. [PMID: 20146737 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2010.00652.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A nationwide laboratory-based surveillance study of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections was conducted in Germany. Invasive isolates (n=586) were obtained between 2003 and 2007. Most isolates were obtained from blood (53.9%) or skin lesions (17.6%). The most common emm types were emm 1 (30.5%), emm 28 (18.3%) and emm 3 (9.6%). Overall, speA was positive in 45.9%, speC in 44.7% and ssa in 14.8% of isolates. SpeA was common in emm type 1 (100%) and emm type 3 (96.4%), whereas speC was often observed in emm type 28 (93.5%). The most frequent clinical manifestations included sepsis (40.1%), necrotizing fasciitis (20.8%) and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (16.6%). All isolates were susceptible to penicillin G, cefotaxime and levofloxacin. Tetracycline shows the highest rate of resistant or intermediate isolates with 11.6%, followed by clarithromycin (5.5%) and clindamycin (1.2%). The most prominent trend is the reduction of tetracycline-nonsusceptible isolates from 18.6% in 2003 to 8.9% in 2007.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Imöhl
- National Reference Center for Streptococci, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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Hynes W, Johnson C, Stokes M. A single nucleotide mutation results in loss of enzymatic activity in the hyaluronate lyase gene of Streptococcus pyogenes. Microb Pathog 2009; 47:308-13. [PMID: 19778599 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2009] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Group A streptococci produce a variety of extracellular proteins, many of which are considered to be virulence factors. One of these is hyaluronate lyase (HylA), an enzyme capable of degrading the extracellular matrix of the host as well as the bacterial capsule. The current study examined three genotypes of hylA (full, truncated and deleted). Only isolates containing a full-length gene produced an enzymatically active hyaluronate lyase; however, truncation of the protein was not the reason for loss of activity. A single nucleotide substitution, resulting in an amino acid change at position 199 of the lyase was present in a highly-conserved region of the protein in isolates not producing active enzyme. In serotypes 4 and 22, those producing active enzymes, this residue was an aspartic acid, in serotypes not showing hyaluronate lyase activity, it was a valine. Site-directed mutagenesis indicated the loss of enzymatic activity of the hyaluronate lyase is in part determined by the mutation resulting in an amino acid residue change. This mutation results in an inactive form of the enzyme and is found in the more virulent serotypes of Streptococcus pyogenes, suggesting that hyaluronate lyase could interfere with the disease process, in essence being an anti-virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Hynes
- Department of Biological Sciences Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.
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Byrne JLB, Aagaard-Tillery KM, Johnson JL, Wright LJ, Silver RM. Group A streptococcal puerperal sepsis: initial characterization of virulence factors in association with clinical parameters. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 82:74-83. [PMID: 19682751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.06.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2008] [Revised: 03/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GAS) is an uncommon but potentially fatal source of postpartum infection. Pathogenesis in invasive GAS infections has been linked to bacterial virulence factors. In this study, we sought to provide an initial description of potential virulence factors in association with puerperal morbidity by virtue of specific M-protein type antigens. Women with confirmed GAS puerperal infection in the Salt Lake City region were prospectively identified over a 6-year interval (1991-1997). From this cohort, GAS isolates were analyzed with respect to M-serotype and presence of genes encoding the Streptococcal Pyogenic Exotoxins A and B (SPE-A and SPE-B). Bacterial isolates from 18 subjects with GAS puerperal infection underwent M-serotyping and PCR-based genotyping for the speA and speB genes. Among these, 8/18 subjects manifest criteria of severe disease. All 18 isolate strains expressed speB; 6/18 isolates expressed speA. Of the M-serotypes, 8/8 severe disease isolates expressed M-types 1 (N=3) or 28 (N=5). Pulse-field gel electrophoresis did not indicate an outbreak strain among similar isolates. We conclude that in this initial characterization, morbidity among women with GAS puerperal infection is associated with M-types 1 and 28, but not speB genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice L B Byrne
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, USA
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Lieu C, Janssen WJ, Saint S, Dhaliwal G. The tip of the iceberg. J Hosp Med 2009; 4:317-20. [PMID: 19504498 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lieu
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA.
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Characterization of emm types and superantigens of Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from children during two sampling periods. Epidemiol Infect 2009; 137:1414-9. [PMID: 19243651 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268809002118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The characteristics of 359 group A streptococcal (GAS) isolates collected from Chinese paediatric patients in two periods (1993-1994, 2005-2006) were studied. Isolates were assigned to emm types and assayed for eight superantigen (SAg) genes (speA, speC, speH, speI, speG, speJ, ssa, SMEZ). Types emm1 and emm12 were consistently the most prevalent during the two periods, while others varied in frequency. GAS isolates carrying six or more SAg genes increased from 46.53% (1993-1994) to 78.39% (2005-2006); ssa, speH and speJ genes (P<0.05) increased but speA declined (P<0.05). SAg gene profiles were closely associated with the emm type, but strains of the same emm type sometimes carried different SAg genes in the two periods. No significant difference in emm-type distribution and SAg gene profile was noted between isolates from different diseases. These data may contribute towards the development of a GAS vaccine in China.
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Commons R, Rogers S, Gooding T, Danchin M, Carapetis J, Robins-Browne R, Curtis N. Superantigen genes in group A streptococcal isolates and their relationship with emm types. J Med Microbiol 2008; 57:1238-1246. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.2008/001156-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Commons
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan Rogers
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Travis Gooding
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margie Danchin
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jonathan Carapetis
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Roy Robins-Browne
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nigel Curtis
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Maripuu L, Eriksson A, Norgren M. Superantigen gene profile diversity among clinical group A streptococcal isolates. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 54:236-44. [PMID: 18754783 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2008.00469.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the diversity of superantigen gene profiles between and within emm-genotypes of 92 clinical group A streptococcal isolates (30 STSS, 24 sepsis, 25 erysipelas, and 12 tonsillitis) collected in Sweden between 1986 and 2001. The emm-genotype and the distribution of smeZ, speG, speJ, speA, speC, speH, speI, speK/L, speL/M, speM, and ssa genes, and the smeZ allelic variant were determined using PCR and DNA sequencing. Forty-five emm1 isolates revealed 10 superantigen gene profiles. One profile dominated and was identified in 22 isolates collected over 14 years. The results indicate that a selective advantage maintained this genotype in circulation. The superantigen content among the emm1 isolates ranged from three to seven, with smeZ-1, speG, and speA present in all but one profile. The 47 isolates of 27 other emm-genotypes exhibited 29 superantigen gene profiles. Thus, the distribution of superantigen genes was highly variable within isolates regardless of emm-genotype. Two novel emm1 subtypes and 14 novel smeZ allelic variants were identified. The 22 smeZ alleles were generally linked to the emm-genotype. The results of the investigation show that superantigen gene profiling is useful for tracking spread of clones in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Maripuu
- Biomedical Laboratory Science, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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The intrinsic immunoglobulin g endopeptidase activity of streptococcal Mac-2 proteins implies a unique role for the enzymatically impaired Mac-2 protein of M28 serotype strains. Infect Immun 2008; 76:2183-8. [PMID: 18332209 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01422-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
IdeS, a secreted cysteine protease of the important human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, interferes with phagocytic killing by specifically cleaving the heavy chain of immunoglobulin G (IgG). Two allelic variants of the enzyme have been described, the IgG-specific endopeptidase, IdeS (or Mac-1) and Mac-2, a protein with only weak IgG endopeptidase activity, which has been suggested to interfere with opsonophagocytosis by blocking Fcgamma receptors of phagocytic cells. However, despite the fact that Mac-2 proteins interact with Fcgamma receptors, no inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, opsonophagocytosis, or streptococcal killing by Mac-2 has been reported. In the present study, Mac-2 proteins are shown to contain IgG endopeptidase activity indistinguishable from the enzymatic activity exhibited by IdeS/Mac-1 proteins. The earlier reported weak IgG endopeptidase activity appears to be unique to Mac-2 of M28 serotype strains (Mac-2(M28)) and is most likely due to the formation of a disulfide bond between the catalytic site cysteine and a cysteine residue in position 257 of Mac-2(M28). Furthermore, Mac-2 proteins are shown to inhibit ROS production ex vivo, independently of the IgG endopeptidase activity of the proteins. Inhibition of ROS generation per se, however, was not sufficient to mediate streptococcal survival in bactericidal assays. Thus, in contrast to earlier studies, implicating separate functions for IdeS and Mac-2 protein variants, the current study suggests that Mac-2 and IdeS are bifunctional proteins, combining Fcgamma receptor binding and IgG endopeptidase activity. This finding implies a unique role for Mac-2 proteins of the M28 serotype, since this serotype has evolved and retained a Mac-2 protein lacking IgG endopeptidase activity.
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Tajiri T, Tate G, Miura K, Masuda S, Ohike N, Kunimura T, Mitsuya T, Morohoshi T. Sudden death caused by fulminant bacterial infection: background and pathogenesis of Japanese adult cases. Intern Med 2008; 47:1499-504. [PMID: 18758124 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.1160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze a risk factor for the onset of fulminant bacterial infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Nine unexpected acute death cases were clinicopathologically analysed. All cases represented the sudden onset of shock symptom, led to acute death within a few days, and later bacteremia was identified. Pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) (5 cases), group A beta Hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) (3 cases), and Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) (1 case). RESULTS Seven of the nine patients had underlying chronic illness. S. pneumoniae infection was associated with splenic dysfunction, and group A beta Hemolytic S. pyogenes and V. vulnificus infections were associated with alcoholic liver injury. Group A beta hemolytic S. pyogenes and V. vulnificus infections involved necrotizing fasciitis, and alcoholic liver cirrhosis was confirmed in two of the four patients. CONCLUSION Despite the different type of bacteria, the onset of fulminant bacterial infection depended upon depressed bacterial phagocytosis in the liver or spleen. Underlying chronic illnesses should be identified as a predisposing common risk factor. It is important to understand the relations between underlying chronic illness and the onset of fulminant infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Tajiri
- Department of Pathology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital.
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22
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Clinical and epidemiological aspects of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections in Denmark during 2003 and 2004. J Clin Microbiol 2007; 46:79-86. [PMID: 17959766 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01626-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Active surveillance of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections was conducted in Denmark during 2003 and 2004 as a part of the Strep-EURO initiative. The main objective was to improve understanding of the epidemiology of invasive GAS disease in Denmark. During the 2 years, 278 cases were reported, corresponding to a mean annual incidence of 2.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The vast majority of isolates, 253 (91%), were from blood, with the remaining 25 (9%) being from cerebrospinal fluid, joints, or other normally sterile sites. The mean case fatality rate (CFR) was 20%, with the rate being higher in patients more than 70 years of age (36.5%). For streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and necrotizing fasciitis the CFRs were 53% and 25%, respectively. Out of 16 T types recorded, three predominated: T28 (23%), T1 (22%), and the cluster T3/13/B3264 (14%). Among 29 different emm types, emm28 and emm1 accounted for 51% of strains, followed by emm3 (11%), emm89 (7%), and emm12 (5.5%). Low resistance rates were detected for macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS(B)) antibiotics (3%) and tetracycline (8%); two isolates exhibited coresistance to tetracycline and macrolides. Of nine pyrogenic exotoxin (superantigen) genes examined, speA and speC were identified in 58% and 40% of the strains, respectively; either of the genes was present in all strains causing STSS. Most strains harbored speG (99%). ssa was present in 14% of the isolates only. In Denmark, as in comparable countries, GAS invasive disease shows a sustained, high endemicity, with involvement of both established and emerging streptococcal emm and T types.
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Krucsó B, Gacs M, Libisch B, Hunyadi ZV, Molnár K, Füzi M, Pászti J. Molecular characterisation of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from Hungary obtained in 2004 and 2005. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 26:807-11. [PMID: 17665233 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-007-0359-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to characterise by molecular techniques group A streptococci isolated from invasive infections in Hungary in 2004-2005. Twenty-six nonduplicate invasive GAS isolates were selected and examined. The mortality rate proved high (52.3%) for those cases (n = 21) where data were available. Predominant emm types were emm1 (n = 13, 50%) and emm80 (n = 5, 19.2%), but other M types (emm4, emm28, emm66, emm81.1, emm82, emm84) were also identified. Eight different PFGE types were distinguished, and each emm type showed an individual PFGE pattern. Our results show that--similarly to results obtained in several other countries--emm type 1 strains predominate among invasive GAS isolates, and that emm 1 type strains recovered from severe streptococcal infections were associated with the presence of the speA gene. The rate for macrolide resistance proved low: only two isolates showed elevated MICs for erythromycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Krucsó
- Department of Phage Typing and Molecular Epidemiology, National Center for Epidemiology, Gyáli út 2-6, 1097, Budapest, Hungary.
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24
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Creti R, Imperi M, Baldassarri L, Pataracchia M, Recchia S, Alfarone G, Orefici G. emm Types, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance of invasive Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from Italy: What has changed in 11 years? J Clin Microbiol 2007; 45:2249-56. [PMID: 17494723 PMCID: PMC1933002 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00513-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2007] [Revised: 04/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the epidemiology and characteristics of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease over 11 years in Italy, this study compared the emm types and the superantigen toxin genes speA and speC as well as the erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline susceptibilities of 207 invasive GAS strains collected during two national enhanced surveillance periods (1994 to 1996 and 2003 to 2005) and the time between each set of surveillance periods. The present study demonstrated that emm1 strains were consistently responsible for about 20% of invasive GAS infections, while variations in the frequencies of the other types were noted, although the causes of most cases of invasive infections were restricted to emm1, emm3, emm4, emm6, emm12, and emm18. During the 1994 to 1996 surveillance period, an emm89 epidemic clone spread across the northern part of Italy. A restricted macrolide resistance phenotype-type distribution of the bacteriophage-encoded speA toxin as well as of macrolide resistance genes was noted over time. Indeed, the recent acquisition of macrolide resistance in previously susceptible emm types was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Creti
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Parassitarie ed Immunomediate, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Sönksen UW, Ekelund K, Bruun BG. Case of bacteraemic cellulitis by a non-haemolytic strain of Streptococcus pyogenes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 39:262-4. [PMID: 17366061 DOI: 10.1080/00365540600868362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Erysipelas and bacteraemia with what initially was diagnosed as a non-haemolytic streptococcus is reported. As neither colony morphology nor clinical picture was characteristic of non-haemolytic streptococci, the isolate was sent to a reference laboratory. 16S rRNA sequencing and phenotypic characterization identified the strain as a streptolysin S-deficient S. pyogenes..
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Wolff Sönksen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hillerød Sygehus, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Siljander T, Toropainen M, Muotiala A, Hoe NP, Musser JM, Vuopio-Varkila J. emm typing of invasive T28 group A streptococci, 1995-2004, Finland. J Med Microbiol 2006; 55:1701-1706. [PMID: 17108274 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.46690-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A total of 985 group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteraemia isolates collected in Finland during 1995-2004 were T-serotyped, and of these, 336 isolates of serotype T28 were subjected to further emm typing. The total number of isolates referred per year showed an increase within the study period, from 43 in 1995 to 130 in 2004. The annual incidence of invasive GAS (iGAS) bacteraemia showed a general increase during the study period, from 1.1 to 2.5 per 100 000 population. Serotype T28 remained among the most common serotypes, in addition to serotypes TB3264 and T1. The serotype T28 isolates were found to be distributed across six distinct emm types: emm28, emm77, emm53 (including subtypes 53.2 and 53.4), emm87, emm2 and emm4. The serotype distribution and the emm type distribution of serotype T28 fluctuated over time. Within the study period, the proportion of T28/emm28 isolates became the most prominent. During periods of low emm28 incidence, emm types 77 and 53 seemed to show a resurgence. emm typing revealed T28 isolates to be a genetically heterogeneous group harbouring a variety of distinct M proteins. This study confirms that T serotyping alone is not a sufficient method for epidemiological surveillance of iGAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuula Siljander
- Hospital Bacteria Laboratory, Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maija Toropainen
- Hospital Bacteria Laboratory, Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Muotiala
- Hospital Bacteria Laboratory, Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nancy P Hoe
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 South Fourth Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - James M Musser
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, 6565 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jaana Vuopio-Varkila
- Hospital Bacteria Laboratory, Department of Bacterial and Inflammatory Diseases, National Public Health Institute, Mannerheimintie 166, FIN-00300, Helsinki, Finland
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Curtis SJ, Tanna A, Russell HH, Efstratiou A, Paul J, Cubbon M, Sriskandan S. Invasive group A streptococcal infection in injecting drug users and non-drug users in a single UK city. J Infect 2006; 54:422-6. [PMID: 17116332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2006.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2006] [Revised: 10/06/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Injecting drug users (IDU) represent an increasing proportion of patients with invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease. Our aims were to characterise the clinical presentation and strains causing GAS bacteremia in IDU from a single UK city (Brighton and Hove), and to compare this patient group with non-drug users (non-DU) with GAS bacteremia. METHODS Consecutive GAS blood culture isolates from twenty-two IDU and twenty-two non-DU presenting to the city hospital were studied. Clinical features, strain emm typing and superantigen toxin genotyping were investigated. RESULTS GAS invasive disease presented differently in IDU compared to non-DU with a predominance of injection site abscesses and lower mortality in IDU. GAS strains from IDU were predominantly emm82 and emm83 types, which are uncommon in the UK and emm82 strains appeared clonal. The non-DU GAS strains demonstrated a broader range of emm types including most frequently emm1 and emm89. There was no major difference in superantigen gene profile between the isolate groups. CONCLUSION The distinct presentation of invasive GAS disease in IDU compared with non-DU was associated with distinct emm types, a predominance of abscesses, and low mortality, although the small numbers preclude definitive conclusions. Further study is required to establish if these findings reflect strain differences or epidemiological differences in colonisation patterns and injecting practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Curtis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
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Szczypa K, Sadowy E, Izdebski R, Strakova L, Hryniewicz W. Group A streptococci from invasive-disease episodes in Poland are remarkably divergent at the molecular level. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:3975-9. [PMID: 16957033 PMCID: PMC1698320 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01163-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Forty-one clinical isolates of group A streptococcus (GAS) were recovered in Poland from patients with severe invasive infections and were analyzed by phenotypic and genotypic techniques. All isolates were characterized by determining their susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents and by determining their types by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, multilocus sequence typing, emm typing, and the detection of five streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin genes (speA, speB, speC, speF, ssa). The isolates studied were fully susceptible to penicillin G, levofloxacin, quinupristin-dalfopristin, and linezolid. Resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin was detected in 46.3, 12.1, and 9.8% of the isolates, respectively. A total of 23 different emm sequence types were identified, of which emm1 and emm12 (19.5% each) were the most common, followed by emm81, emm44/61, and emm85. All the emm1 isolates had the speA2 allele. Twenty-three unrelated sequence types (STs) were identified, with the most frequent STs, ST28 and ST36, corresponding to emm1 and emm12, respectively. Six newly found STs (STs 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, and 385) corresponded to emm types 74, 102, 77, 76, 84 and 63, respectively. The emm1 type and the presence of speA2 gene were associated with the severity of GAS infections. This work presents the first molecular study on Polish invasive GAS isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Szczypa
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Chelmska 30/34 00-725 Warsaw, Poland
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