Article
Immunology
Joseph A. Lewnard, Laura M. King, Katherine E. Fleming-Dutra, Ruth Link-Gelles, Chris A. Van Beneden
Summary: This study estimated healthcare visit rates and antibiotic prescription rates in the United States, and predicted the potential effects of vaccines targeting Group A Streptococcus under different dosing schedules. The results showed that the vaccine has the potential to prevent pharyngitis infections and related antibiotic use.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Meredith B. Finn, Kathryn M. Ramsey, Simon L. Dove, Michael R. Wessels
Summary: The study reveals that the CsrRS system in Group A Streptococcus regulates gene expression by modulating the phosphorylation of CsrR, affecting the bacteria's ability to adapt to the human host. Analysis indicates that CsrR influences the expression of multiple genes by binding to regulated promoters and controlling the expression of intermediate transcription regulators.
Article
Pediatrics
Lauri Ivaska, Jussi Niemela, Kirsi Grondahl-Yli-Hannuksela, Niina Putkuri, Jaana Vuopio, Tytti Vuorinen, Matti Waris, Kaisu Rantakokko-Jalava, Ville Peltola
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the detection of group A streptococcus (GAS) in pediatric pharyngitis patients using different diagnostic methods. The study found that GAS was frequently detected even in pediatric pharyngitis patients with a confirmed viral infection. This suggests that viral infections may lead to incidental carriage of GAS in the throat.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Navin P. P. Boeddha, Lucy Atkins, Ronald de Groot, Gertjan Driessen, Jan Hazelzet, Werner Zenz, Enitan D. D. Carrol, Suzanne T. T. Anderson, Federico Martinon-Torres, Philipp K. A. Agyeman, Rachel Galassini, Jethro Herberg, Michael Levin, Luregn J. J. Schlapbach, Marieke Emonts
Summary: Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection requiring hospital admission is still associated with significant severe disease and short- and long-term morbidity in younger children in Europe. GAS was the most frequent pathogen causing community-acquired bacterial infection in children, with 12% disability at discharge and 2% mortality.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Shyra Wilde, Anders F. Johnson, Christopher N. LaRock
Summary: Group A Streptococcus is a major human pathogen with a natural tropism for the oropharynx and skin. Its virulence factors cause excessive inflammation, leading to severe infections, toxic shock syndrome, and post-infection autoimmune disease. Understanding how these factors induce inflammation and promote disease may lead to new therapeutic targets for severe infections.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Anders F. Johnson, Christopher N. LaRock
Summary: Group A Streptococcus, a common human pathogen, lacks a vaccine and relies on antibiotics for treatment. Despite low antimicrobial resistance, it remains a top global cause of infectious deaths. Efforts are needed to improve treatment and surveillance, as well as to guide treatments for other pathogens facing antibiotic resistance.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kristin Harris, Leslie K. Proctor, Shiri Shinar, Eleni Philippopoulos, Mark H. Yudin, Kellie E. Murphy
Summary: This study systematically reviews the outcomes and management strategies for pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcus infections, aiming to provide guidance for prevention and treatment of this rare but lethal infection. The study emphasizes the importance of early recognition, diagnosis, and aggressive management in order to prevent the serious risks of infection and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Benjamin Metcalf, Srinivas Nanduri, Sopio Chochua, Yuan Li, Katherine Fleming-Dutra, Lesley McGee, Bernard Beall
Summary: Using a cluster detection tool, we identified genetically related clusters representing previously unidentified iGAS outbreaks. Our findings showed that 65% of invasive isolates were associated with clusters, and emm types with a higher tendency to cluster had a higher proportion of cases from disadvantaged populations.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Manuel Wolters, Benjamin Berinson, Nicole Degel-Brossmann, Armin Hoffmann, Rico Bluszis, Martin Aepfelbacher, Holger Rohde, Martin Christner
Summary: This study has shown for the first time that the M1(UK) lineage is present in Germany and may be a driving force behind the observed surge of GAS infections. This observation mirrors developments in the UK and other countries and underscores the importance of whole-genome sequencing surveillance in understanding the epidemiology of GAS.
Article
Immunology
Kristin Andrejko, Lilith K. Whittles, Joseph A. Lewnard
Summary: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes significant economic burden in the United States, with potential cost savings achievable through prevention of invasive disease and acute upper respiratory infections. Vaccines meeting WHO-PPP characteristics at specific ages could avert millions of dollars annually, with indirect effects of vaccination programs further reducing costs across all age groups. This study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing GAS vaccine development and evaluation.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Dingle Yu, Waiwai Gao, Danchun Guo, Qinghua Lu, Yunsheng Chen, Yuejie Zheng, Wenjian Wang, Yonghong Yang
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment of septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in three pediatric cases. The findings suggest that early diagnosis and timely treatment, including abscess incision and drainage followed by culture of the abscess puncture fluid, are important for children with septic arthritis. Beta-lactam antibiotics provide effective treatment once S. pyogenes infection is confirmed, avoiding the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
James B. Dale, Michelle P. Aranha, Thomas A. Penfound, Sanaz Salehi, Jeremy C. Smith
Summary: This study used peptide structural algorithms to predict immunological cross-reactivity among the most prevalent M types of Strep A, and constructed a 32-valent vaccine. The vaccine showed good immunogenicity and cross-reactivity in experiments, with potential global coverage.
Article
Immunology
Shyra Wilde, Ananya Dash, Anders Johnson, Kialani Mackey, Cheryl Y. M. Okumura, Christopher N. LaRock
Summary: IL-6 regulates antimicrobial responses and promotes killing of certain Streptococcus strains, while the bacterial capsule provides resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by phagocytes.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Masanobu Nakata, Bernd Kreikemeyer
Summary: Group A Streptococcus is a human pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections, with pili and M protein playing crucial roles in antigenicity and virulence. The genetic and structural features of GAS pili have been extensively studied, highlighting their importance in pathogenesis and potential as vaccine antigens. Additionally, GAS pili contribute to tissue tropism, adhesion to host cells, biofilm formation, and evasion of the immune system in a serotype/strain-specific manner.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hannah C. Moore, Kate M. Miller, Jonathan R. Carapetis, Chris A. Van Beneden
Summary: Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is a significant global health and economic burden, and the World Health Organization's prioritization of Strep A vaccine development has led to increased research and collaboration. Robust surveillance is essential for generating accurate disease burden estimates and evaluating the impact of future interventions.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
