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de Crombrugghe G, Botteaux A, Osowicki J, Steer AC, Smeesters PR. Global epidemiological comparison of Streptococcus pyogenes emm-types associated with pharyngitis and pharyngeal carriage. Clin Microbiol Infect 2024:S1198-743X(24)00241-6. [PMID: 38759867 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To test the prevailing dogma that Streptococcus pyogenes emm-types that cause pharyngitis are the same as those associated with the carriage, using a global dataset. METHODS Drawing on our systematic review of the global distribution of S. pyogenes emm-types and emm-clusters from 1990 to 2023, we compared the distribution and diversity of strains associated with pharyngitis and pharyngeal carriage, in the context of local United Nations Development Programme Human Development Index (HDI) values. RESULTS We included 20 222 isolates from 71 studies done in 34 countries, with the vast majority of carriage strain data from studies in 'Low HDI' settings (550/1293; 43%). There was higher emm-type diversity for carriage than pharyngitis strains (Simpson Reciprocal Index of diversity 28.9 vs. 11.4). Compared with pharyngitis strains, carriage emm-types were disproportionately from emm-clusters E and D, usually described as 'generalist' or 'skin' strains. DISCUSSION A limited number of studies have compared S. pyogenes strains from cases of pharyngitis compared with carriage. Our understanding of strains associated with carriage is the poorest for high-income settings. In low and medium HDI countries, we found greater strain associated with pharyngeal carriage than pharyngitis. Improving our understanding of S. pyogenes carriage epidemiology in the pre-vaccine era will help to decipher the direct and potential indirect effects of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle de Crombrugghe
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, European Plotkin Institute for Vaccinology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Paediatrics, Brussels University Hospital, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Botteaux
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, European Plotkin Institute for Vaccinology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joshua Osowicki
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, European Plotkin Institute for Vaccinology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Paediatrics, Brussels University Hospital, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Modelling the effect of within-host dynamics on the diversity of a multi-strain pathogen. J Theor Biol 2022; 548:111185. [PMID: 35700769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Multi-strain pathogens such as Group A Streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus cause millions of infections each year with a substantial health burden. Control of multi-strain pathogens can be complicated by the high strain diversity often observed in endemic settings. It is not well understood how high strain diversity is maintained in populations, given that they compete with each other both directly (within an individual host) and indirectly (via host immunity). Previous modelling studies have investigated how indirect competition affects the prevalence and diversity of strains. However, these studies often make simplifying assumptions about the direct competition that occurs within hosts. Currently, little data is available to validate these assumptions, hence there is a need to clarify how sensitive model outputs are to these assumptions. In this study, we compare the dynamics of multi-strain pathogens under different assumptions about direct competition between strains using an agent-based model. We find that the assumptions made about direct competition can affect the epidemiological dynamics, particularly when there is no long-term immunity following infections and a low rate of importation of non-circulating strains. Our results suggest that while direct and indirect competition can each decrease strain diversity when they act in isolation, they may increase strain diversity when they act together. This finding highlights the importance of examining sensitivity to assumptions about strain competition. In particular, omitting consideration of direct competition can lead to inaccurate estimates of the likely effectiveness of control strategies as changes in strain diversity shift the level of direct strain competition.
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Jabang S, Erhart A, Darboe S, Baldeh AK, Delforge V, Watson G, Foster-Nyarko E, Salaudeen R, Lawal B, Mackenzie G, Botteaux A, Antonio M, Smeesters PR. Molecular Epidemiology of Group A Streptococcus Infections in The Gambia. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:124. [PMID: 33557233 PMCID: PMC7913941 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular epidemiological data on Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection in Africa is scarce. We characterized the emm-types and emm-clusters of 433 stored clinical GAS isolates from The Gambia collected between 2004 and 2018. To reduce the potential for strain mistyping, we used a newly published primer for emm-typing. There was considerable strain diversity, highlighting the need for vaccine development offering broad strain protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Jabang
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Annette Erhart
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Saffiatou Darboe
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Aru-Kumba Baldeh
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Valerie Delforge
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12 Rue des Professeurs Jenner et Brachet, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium; (V.D.); (A.B.); (P.R.S.)
| | - Gabriella Watson
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
- Southampton University Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ebenezer Foster-Nyarko
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Rasheed Salaudeen
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Bolarinde Lawal
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Grant Mackenzie
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Anne Botteaux
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12 Rue des Professeurs Jenner et Brachet, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium; (V.D.); (A.B.); (P.R.S.)
| | - Martin Antonio
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul 273, The Gambia; (S.J.); (S.D.); (A.-K.B.); (G.W.); (E.F.-N.); (R.S.); (B.L.); (G.M.); (M.A.)
| | - Pierre R. Smeesters
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 12 Rue des Professeurs Jenner et Brachet, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium; (V.D.); (A.B.); (P.R.S.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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de Crombrugghe G, Baroux N, Botteaux A, Moreland NJ, Williamson DA, Steer AC, Smeesters PR. The Limitations of the Rheumatogenic Concept for Group A Streptococcus: Systematic Review and Genetic Analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:1453-1460. [PMID: 31334754 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept that a minority of group A streptococcus (GAS) emm types are more "rheumatogenic" than others has been widely disseminated. We aimed to provide a comprehensive list of acute rheumatic fever-associated GAS isolates and assess the presence of associated rheumatogenic motifs. METHODS Articles reporting GAS emm-type or emm-type-specific antibody responses associated with rheumatic fever were identified from 1 January 1944 to 31 July 2018. The revised Jones criteria were used to define rheumatic fever with a maximum period of 4 weeks between disease onset and microbiological characterization. A database of 175 representative M-protein sequences was used to analyze the protein diversity of rheumatic fever-associated strains in a phylogenetic tree and to identify the presence of 10 previously recognized rheumatogenic motifs. RESULTS We included 411 cases of rheumatic fever, for which microbiological characterization identified 73 different emm types associated with the disease. The classic rheumatogenic emm types represented only 12.3% of the 73 emm types and were responsible for 31.6% of the 411 clinical cases. Rheumatic fever-associated emm types were disseminated throughout the phylogeny, suggesting they belong to various genetic backgrounds. Rheumatic fever-associated motifs were present in only 15.1% of the rheumatic fever-associated emm types and only 24.8% of clinical cases. CONCLUSIONS The concept of rheumatogenicity should be extended to include strains other than those classically described. Our results highlight significant knowledge gaps in the understanding of rheumatic fever pathogenesis and suggest that a GAS vaccine candidate should offer broad coverage against a variety of GAS genetic variants in order to protect against this serious sequela.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle de Crombrugghe
- Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Noemie Baroux
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne Botteaux
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicole J Moreland
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
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Jespersen MG, Lacey JA, Tong SYC, Davies MR. Global genomic epidemiology of Streptococcus pyogenes. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 86:104609. [PMID: 33147506 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is one of the Top 10 human infectious disease killers worldwide causing a range of clinical manifestations in humans. Colonizing a range of ecological niches within its sole host, the human, is key to the ability of this opportunistic pathogen to cause direct and post-infectious manifestations. The expansion of genome sequencing capabilities and data availability over the last decade has led to an improved understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of this pathogen within a global framework where epidemiological relationships and evolutionary mechanisms may not be universal. This review uses the recent publication by Davies et al., 2019 as an updated global framework to address S. pyogenes population genomics, highlighting how genomics is being used to gain new insights into evolutionary processes, transmission pathways, and vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus G Jespersen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jake A Lacey
- Doherty Department, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Doherty Department, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark R Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Chisholm RH, Sonenberg N, Lacey JA, McDonald MI, Pandey M, Davies MR, Tong SYC, McVernon J, Geard N. Epidemiological consequences of enduring strain-specific immunity requiring repeated episodes of infection. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007182. [PMID: 32502148 PMCID: PMC7299408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) skin infections are caused by a diverse array of strain types and are highly prevalent in disadvantaged populations. The role of strain-specific immunity in preventing GAS infections is poorly understood, representing a critical knowledge gap in vaccine development. A recent GAS murine challenge study showed evidence that sterilising strain-specific and enduring immunity required two skin infections by the same GAS strain within three weeks. This mechanism of developing enduring immunity may be a significant impediment to the accumulation of immunity in populations. We used an agent-based mathematical model of GAS transmission to investigate the epidemiological consequences of enduring strain-specific immunity developing only after two infections with the same strain within a specified interval. Accounting for uncertainty when correlating murine timeframes to humans, we varied this maximum inter-infection interval from 3 to 420 weeks to assess its impact on prevalence and strain diversity, and considered additional scenarios where no maximum inter-infection interval was specified. Model outputs were compared with longitudinal GAS surveillance observations from northern Australia, a region with endemic infection. We also assessed the likely impact of a targeted strain-specific multivalent vaccine in this context. Our model produced patterns of transmission consistent with observations when the maximum inter-infection interval for developing enduring immunity was 19 weeks. Our vaccine analysis suggests that the leading multivalent GAS vaccine may have limited impact on the prevalence of GAS in populations in northern Australia if strain-specific immunity requires repeated episodes of infection. Our results suggest that observed GAS epidemiology from disease endemic settings is consistent with enduring strain-specific immunity being dependent on repeated infections with the same strain, and provide additional motivation for relevant human studies to confirm the human immune response to GAS skin infection. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a ubiquitous bacterial pathogen that exists in many distinct strains, and is a major cause of death and disability globally. Vaccines against GAS are under development, but their effective use will require better understanding of how immunity develops following infection. Evidence from an animal model of skin infection suggests that the generation of enduring strain-specific immunity requires two infections by the same strain within a short time frame. It is not clear if this mechanism of immune development operates in humans, nor how it would contribute to the persistence of GAS in populations and affect vaccine impact. We used a mathematical model of GAS transmission, calibrated to data collected in an Indigenous Australian community, to assess whether this mechanism of immune development is consistent with epidemiological observations, and to explore its implications for the impact of a vaccine. We found that it is plausible that repeat infections are required for the development of immunity in humans, and illustrate the difficulties associated with achieving sustained reductions in disease prevalence with a vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca H. Chisholm
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nikki Sonenberg
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jake A. Lacey
- Doherty Department University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm I. McDonald
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Manisha Pandey
- Institute for Glycomics, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark R. Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven Y. C. Tong
- Doherty Department University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Jodie McVernon
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas Geard
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Melbourne School of Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Campbell PT, Tong SYC, Geard N, Davies MR, Worthing KA, Lacey JA, Smeesters PR, Batzloff MR, Kado J, Jenney AWJ, Mcvernon J, Steer AC. Longitudinal Analysis of Group A Streptococcus emm Types and emm Clusters in a High-Prevalence Setting: Relationship between Past and Future Infections. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:1429-1437. [PMID: 31748786 PMCID: PMC7137891 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus is a pathogen of global importance, but despite the ubiquity of group A Streptococcus infections, the relationship between infection, colonization, and immunity is still not completely understood. The M protein, encoded by the emm gene, is a major virulence factor and vaccine candidate and forms the basis of a number of classification systems. Longitudinal patterns of emm types collected from 457 Fijian schoolchildren over a 10-month period were analyzed. No evidence of tissue tropism was observed, and there was no apparent selective pressure or constraint of emm types. Patterns of emm type acquisition suggest limited, if any, modification of future infection based on infection history. Where impetigo is the dominant mode of transmission, circulating emm types either may not be constrained by ecological niches or population immunity to the M protein, or they may require several infections over a longer period of time to induce such immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Therese Campbell
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Y C Tong
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Doherty Department at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Nicholas Geard
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Melbourne School of Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark R Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kate A Worthing
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jake A Lacey
- Doherty Department at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael R Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Joseph Kado
- Department of Paediatrics, Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Suva, Fiji
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
- Fiji Rheumatic Heart Disease Control Program, Suva, Fiji
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Adam W J Jenney
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Jodie Mcvernon
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Analysis of Global Collection of Group A Streptococcus Genomes Reveals that the Majority Encode a Trio of M and M-Like Proteins. mSphere 2020; 5:5/1/e00806-19. [PMID: 31915226 PMCID: PMC6952200 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00806-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While the GAS M protein has been the leading vaccine target for decades, the bacteria encode many other virulence factors of interest for vaccine development. In this work, we show that emm-like genes are encoded in a remarkable majority of GAS genomes and expressed at a level similar to that for the emm gene. In collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we developed molecular definitions of the different emm and emm-like gene families. This clarification should abrogate mistyping of strains, especially in the area of whole-genome typing. We have also updated the emm-typing collection by removing emm-like gene sequences and provided in-depth analysis of Mrp and Enn protein sequence structure and diversity. The core Mga (multiple gene activator) regulon of group A Streptococcus (GAS) contains genes encoding proteins involved in adhesion and immune evasion. While all GAS genomes contain genes for Mga and C5a peptidase, the intervening genes encoding M and M-like proteins vary between strains. The genetic make-up of the Mga regulon of GAS was characterized by utilizing a collection of 1,688 GAS genomes that are representative of the global GAS population. Sequence variations were examined with multiple alignments, and the expression of all core Mga regulon genes was examined by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in a representative strain collection. In 85.2% of the sampled genomes, the Mga locus contained genes encoding Mga, Mrp, M, Enn, and C5a peptidase proteins. These isolates account for 53% of global infections. Only 9.1% of genomes did not contain either an mrp or an enn gene. The pairwise identity within Enn (68.6%) and Mrp (83.2%) protein sequences was higher than within M proteins (44.7%). Gene expression varied between strains tested, but high expression was recorded for all genes in at least one strain. Previous nomenclature issues were clarified with molecular gene definitions. Our findings support a shift in focus in the GAS research field to further consider the role of Mrp and Enn in virulence and vaccine development. IMPORTANCE While the GAS M protein has been the leading vaccine target for decades, the bacteria encode many other virulence factors of interest for vaccine development. In this work, we show that emm-like genes are encoded in a remarkable majority of GAS genomes and expressed at a level similar to that for the emm gene. In collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we developed molecular definitions of the different emm and emm-like gene families. This clarification should abrogate mistyping of strains, especially in the area of whole-genome typing. We have also updated the emm-typing collection by removing emm-like gene sequences and provided in-depth analysis of Mrp and Enn protein sequence structure and diversity.
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Konrad P, Hufnagel M, Berner R, Toepfner N. Long-term, single-center surveillance of non-invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infections, emm types and emm clusters. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 39:273-280. [PMID: 31758439 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Group A streptococci (GAS) are among the most frequent pathogens in children. Many epidemiological studies focus on specific GAS infections (such as tonsillopharyngitis or invasive disease), on GAS carriers or on post-streptococcal sequelae. By comparison, reports on regional GAS characteristics, particularly circulating non-invasive GAS in Europe, are rare. In a monocentric study, all GAS isolated from pediatric patients at a tertiary care hospital over a 6-year period (2006-2012) were characterized. GAS emm types and clusters were determined. Associated patient data were analyzed. Five hundred sixty-six GAS strains were collected. GAS tonsillopharyngitis was most common (71.6%), followed by pyoderma (6.0%), otitis media (3.7%), perineal dermatitis (3.4%), and invasive infections (1.4%). Colonizing strains represented 13.6% of GAS. GAS emm12 was most prevalent among invasive and non-invasive isolates. Emm1, emm4, emm28, and emm89 were the most frequent non-invasive GAS strains. The emm E4 cluster was most common, followed by the A-C4, A-C3, and E1. Among the GAS infections, different emm types and clusters were identified, e.g., emm4 was more common among patients with scarlet fever. Three new emm subtypes were characterized: emm29.13, emm36.7, and emm75.5. This comprehensive review of a large, local GAS cohort points to the differences between and similarities among GAS genotypes and disease manifestations, while minimizing regional variations. Considerable deviation from previous epidemiological findings is described, especially regarding the frequent detection of emm1 and emm89 in non-invasive GAS infections. Periodic updates on molecular and epidemiological GAS characteristics are needed to track the multifaceted pathogenic potential of GAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Konrad
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Hufnagel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Berner
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Toepfner
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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10
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Semisynthetic, self-adjuvanting vaccine development: Efficient, site-specific sortase A-mediated conjugation of Toll-like receptor 2 ligand FSL-1 to recombinant protein antigens under native conditions and application to a model group A streptococcal vaccine. J Control Release 2019; 317:96-108. [PMID: 31758971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein antigens are, in general, weakly immunogenic, and therefore require co-delivery with adjuvants to stimulate potent immune responses. The fusion of (poly)peptide antigens to immunostimulatory adjuvants (e.g. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists) has been demonstrated to greatly improve vaccine potency compared to mixtures of antigen and adjuvant. Chemical approaches, to enable the rapid, site-specific and high-yielding linkage of TLR2 ligands to recombinant protein antigens, have been previously optimized. These approaches require the use of denaturing conditions to ensure high reaction yields, which limits their application, as maintenance of native protein folding is necessary to elicit antibodies against conformational epitopes. Here, this work aimed to optimize an alternative method, to ensure the efficient bioconjugation of TLR2 ligands onto folded protein antigens. An enzyme-mediated approach, using Staphylococcus aureus sortase A (or a penta mutant with enhanced efficiency), was optimized for reaction yield and time, as well as enzyme type and amount. This approach enabled the site-specific conjugation of the TLR2-agonist fibroblast-stimulating lipopeptide-1 (FSL-1) onto a model group A Streptococcus (GAS) recombinant polytope antigen under conditions that maintain protein folding, yielding a homogeneous, molecularly-defined product, with ligation yields as high as 90%. Following intramuscular (IM) administration of the ligation product to humanized plasminogen AlbPLG1 mice, high-titer, antigen-specific IgG antibodies were observed, which conferred protection against subcutaneous challenge with GAS strain 5448. In comparison, mixtures of the GAS antigen with aluminum hydroxide or FSL-1 failed to provide protection, with the FSL-1 mixture yielding ~1000-fold lower antigen-specific IgG antibody titers, and the mixture with alum yielding a Th2-biased response compared to the more balanced Th1/Th2 responses observed with the FSL-1 conjugate. Overall, a FSL-1 bioconjugation method for the efficient production of antigen-TLR2 agonist conjugates, which maintain protein folding, was produced, with broad utility for the development of self-adjuvanting vaccines against subunit protein antigens.
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11
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Group A Streptococcus infections in children: from virulence to clinical management. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2019; 31:224-230. [PMID: 29601325 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent findings have open new perspectives on group A Streptococcus (GAS) virulence understanding with special focus on the carrier stage and new hopes for an efficient vaccine against this important pathogen. RECENT FINDINGS Understanding of carriage state, transmission and role of virulence factors in invasive infections have been recently active research fields questioning the link between carriage and infections and highlighting the potential to prevent invasive diseases. New roles for already well known virulence factors, such as Streptolysin O, M protein or NAD(+)-glycohydrolase have been discovered. Immunological studies have also shown diversity in both clinical and immunological responses toward various GAS antigens raising questions, and hopes, for the development of an efficient global vaccine candidate. SUMMARY A greater understanding of GAS virulence strategies, and their associated clinical manifestations, may be obtained by shifting our research scope toward virulence determinant interactions and cooperation rather than focusing on individual virulence factor or specific strain characterization only.
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12
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Abraham T, Sistla S. Decoding the molecular epidemiology of group A streptococcus - an Indian perspective. J Med Microbiol 2019; 68:1059-1071. [PMID: 31192782 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Unlike western countries the knowledge of group A streptococcus (GAS) epidemiology in India remains patchy and incomplete. Typing is crucial for surveillance as well as in predicting the efficacy of multivalent M protein vaccine. The present study aimed to explore the emm types of 206 invasive and non-invasive GAS isolates from South India as well as reviewing all the published literature on GAS molecular epidemiology from India thereby generating a pan-Indian data to predict the conjectural coverage of the 30-valent M-protein vaccine in this population. METHODOLOGY emm typing and superantigen (SAg) profiling of GAS along with reviewing literatures on GAS molecular epidemiology from India. RESULTS This study revealed a high diversity of emm types with emm 63, 82, 183, 85, 92, 169, 42, 44, 106, 74, 12 being frequently encountered, belonging to twenty emm clusters. The pan-Indian data on prevalent emm types further supports our study findings with 135 emm different types. Six clusters dominated accounting for 80 % of the GAS isolates: E3(26 %), E6(20 %), E2(11 %), E4(10 %), D4(7 %), E1(6 %). No significant association was noted between emm types and the nature of infection (P≥0.05) while a few SAg profiles were significantly associated with certain emm types. Pan Indian data revealed that only 16 % of the emm types encountered were included in proposed 30-valent M protein based vaccine. CONCLUSION The coverage among the South Indian GAS isolates was 28.2 % which increased to only 46.6 % with the cross-opsonic effect, thus highlighting the importance of developing a specific multivalent vaccine including the prevalent emm types in India or considering the use of conserved C-repeat vaccines and non-M protein based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tintu Abraham
- Department of Microbiology, JIPMER, Puducherry, India
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13
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Abstract
The clinico-epidemiological features of diseases caused by group A streptococci (GAS) is presented through the lens of the ecology, population genetics, and evolution of the organism. The serological targets of three typing schemes (M, T, SOF) are themselves GAS cell surface proteins that have a myriad of virulence functions and a diverse array of structural forms. Horizontal gene transfer expands the GAS antigenic cell surface repertoire by generating numerous combinations of M, T, and SOF antigens. However, horizontal gene transfer of the serotype determinant genes is not unconstrained, and therein lies a genetic organization that may signify adaptations to a narrow ecological niche, such as the primary tissue reservoirs of the human host. Adaptations may be further shaped by selection pressures such as herd immunity. Understanding the molecular evolution of GAS on multiple levels-short, intermediate, and long term-sheds insight on mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, the emergence and spread of new clones, rational vaccine design, and public health interventions.
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14
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Sekuloski S, Batzloff MR, Griffin P, Parsonage W, Elliott S, Hartas J, O’Rourke P, Marquart L, Pandey M, Rubin FA, Carapetis J, McCarthy J, Good MF. Evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of a group A streptococcus vaccine candidate (MJ8VAX) in a randomized clinical trial. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198658. [PMID: 29965967 PMCID: PMC6028081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a serious human pathogen that affects people of different ages and socio-economic levels. Although vaccination is potentially one of the most effective methods to control GAS infection and its sequelae, few prototype vaccines have been investigated in humans. In this study, we report the safety and immunogenicity of a novel acetylated peptide-protein conjugate vaccine candidate MJ8VAX (J8-DT), when delivered intramuscularly to healthy adults. METHODS A randomized, double-blinded, controlled Phase I clinical trial was conducted in 10 healthy adult participants. Participants were randomized 4:1 to receive the vaccine candidate (N = 8) or placebo (N = 2). A single dose of the vaccine candidate (MJ8VAX), contained 50 μg of peptide conjugate (J8-DT) adsorbed onto aluminium hydroxide and re-suspended in PBS in a total volume of 0.5 mL. Safety of the vaccine candidate was assessed by monitoring local and systemic adverse reactions following intramuscular administration. The immunogenicity of the vaccine was assessed by measuring the levels of peptide (anti-J8) and toxoid carrier (anti-DT)-specific antibodies in serum samples. RESULTS No serious adverse events were reported over 12 months of study. A total of 13 adverse events (AEs) were recorded, two of which were assessed to be associated with the vaccine. Both were mild in severity. No local reactogenicity was recorded in any of the participants. MJ8VAX was shown to be immunogenic, with increase in vaccine-specific antibodies in the participants who received the vaccine. The maximum level of vaccine-specific antibodies was detected at 28 days post immunization. The level of these antibodies decreased with time during follow-up. Participants who received the vaccine also had a corresponding increase in anti-DT serum antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Intramuscular administration of MJ8VAX was demonstrated to be safe and immunogenic. The presence of DT in the vaccine formulation resulted in a boost in the level of anti-DT antibodies. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12613000030774.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Sekuloski
- Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael R. Batzloff
- The Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul Griffin
- Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Q-Pharm Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Mater Hospital and Mater Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - William Parsonage
- Australian Centre for Health Service Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Jon Hartas
- The Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter O’Rourke
- Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Louise Marquart
- Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Manisha Pandey
- The Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fran A. Rubin
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Carapetis
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia and Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - James McCarthy
- Clinical Tropical Medicine Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael F. Good
- The Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Buckley SJ, Timms P, Davies MR, McMillan DJ. In silico characterisation of the two-component system regulators of Streptococcus pyogenes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199163. [PMID: 29927994 PMCID: PMC6013163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria respond to environmental changes through the co-ordinated regulation of gene expression, often mediated by two-component regulatory systems (TCS). Group A Streptococcus (GAS), a bacterium which infects multiple human body sites and causes multiple diseases, possesses up to 14 TCS. In this study we examined genetic variation in the coding sequences and non-coding DNA upstream of these TCS as a method for evaluating relationships between different GAS emm-types, and potential associations with GAS disease. Twelve of the 14 TCS were present in 90% of the genomes examined. The length of the intergenic regions (IGRs) upstream of TCS coding regions varied from 39 to 345 nucleotides, with an average nucleotide diversity of 0.0064. Overall, IGR allelic variation was generally conserved with an emm-type. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of concatenated sequences based on all TCS IGR sequences grouped genomes of the same emm-type together. However grouping with emm-pattern and emm-cluster-types was much weaker, suggesting epidemiological and functional properties associated with the latter are not due to evolutionary relatedness of emm-types. All emm5, emm6 and most of the emm18 genomes, all historically considered rheumatogenic emm-types clustered together, suggesting a shared evolutionary history. However emm1, emm3 and several emm18 genomes did not cluster within this group. These latter emm18 isolates were epidemiologically distinct from other emm18 genomes in study, providing evidence for local variation. emm-types associated with invasive disease or nephritogenicity also did not cluster together. Considering the TCS coding sequences (cds), correlation with emm-type was weaker than for the IGRs, and no strong correlation with disease was observed. Deletion of the malate transporter, maeP, was identified that serves as a putative marker for the emm89.0 subtype, which has been implicated in invasive outbreaks. A recombination-related, subclade-forming DNA motif was identified in the putative receiver domain of the Spy1556 response regulator that correlated with throat-associated emm-pattern-type A-C strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Buckley
- Inflammation and Healing Biomedical Research Cluster, and School of Health and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Inflammation and Healing Biomedical Research Cluster, and School of Health and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark R. Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David J. McMillan
- Inflammation and Healing Biomedical Research Cluster, and School of Health and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
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16
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Frost HR, Laho D, Sanderson-Smith ML, Licciardi P, Donath S, Curtis N, Kado J, Dale JB, Steer AC, Smeesters PR. Immune Cross-Opsonization Within emm Clusters Following Group A Streptococcus Skin Infection: Broadening the Scope of Type-Specific Immunity. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 65:1523-1531. [PMID: 29020160 PMCID: PMC7263703 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Group AStreptococcus (GAS) skin infections are particularly prevalent in developing nations. The GAS M protein, by which strains are differentiated into >220 differentemm types, is immunogenic and elicits protective antibodies. A major obstacle for vaccine development has been the traditional understanding that immunity following infection is restricted to a singleemm type. However, recent evidence has led to the hypothesis of immune cross-reactivity betweenemm types. Methods We investigated the human serological response to GAS impetigo in Fijian schoolchildren, focusing on 3 majoremm clusters (E4, E6, and D4). Pre- and postinfection sera were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with N-terminal M peptides and bactericidal assays using the infecting-type strain,emm cluster–related strains, and nonrelated strains. Results Twenty of the 53 paired sera demonstrated a ≥4-fold increase in antibody titer against the infecting type. When tested against all cluster-related M peptides, we found that 9 of 17 (53%) paired sera had a ≥4-fold increase in antibody titer to cluster-related strains as well. When grouped by cluster, the mean change to cluster-relatedemm types in E4 and E6 was >4-fold (5.9-fold and 19.5-fold, respectively) but for D4 was 3.8-fold. The 17 paired sera were tested in bactericidal assays against selected cluster-related and nonrelated strains. While the responses were highly variable, numerous instances of cross-reactive killing were observed. Conclusions These data demonstrate that M type–specific and cross-reactive immune responses occur following skin infection. The cross-reactive immune responses frequently align withemm clusters, raising new opportunities to design multivalent vaccines with broad coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Frost
- Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory
| | - Delphine Laho
- Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Pediatrics, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martina L Sanderson-Smith
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong
| | - Paul Licciardi
- Pneumococcal Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Susan Donath
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Nigel Curtis
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joseph Kado
- Department of Paediatrics, Colonial War Memorial Hospital.,College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University.,Fiji Rheumatic Heart Disease Control Program, Suva, Fiji
| | - James B Dale
- Medicine.,Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Molecular Bacteriology Laboratory.,Department of Pediatrics, Academic Children Hospital Queen Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
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17
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Chen M, Wang W, Tu L, Zheng Y, Pan H, Wang G, Chen Y, Zhang X, Zhu L, Chen J, Chen M. An emm5 Group A Streptococcal Outbreak Among Workers in a Factory Manufacturing Telephone Accessories. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1156. [PMID: 28680421 PMCID: PMC5478724 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ranked among the top10 infectious causes of death worldwide, group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes small- and large-scale outbreaks, depending on the trigger as transmission of a GAS strain or expansion of predominant clones. In China, GAS infections other than scarlet fever are not notifiable. In Shanghai, an epidemiological investigation was initiated after two successive severe pneumonia cases with one death in a digital factory, from where outbreaks are less widely reported. The investigation was performed using emm typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing, superantigen profiling, and genome analysis. This enabled characterization of relatedness among the outbreak isolates and identification of the mobile genetic elements present. Among 57 patients with respiratory symptoms investigated in the factory, emm5 GAS strains were isolated from 8 patients. The eight GAS infection cases comprising one fatal severe pneumonia case, six influenza-like illness cases, and one pharyngitis case. Two risk factors were identified: adult with an age of 18–20 years and close contact with a GAS patient or carrier. GAS attack rate was 14.0% (8/57), and GAS carriage rate was probably around 2.7% (14/521) based on surveys in two nearby districts. All the 10 outbreak associated isolates were assigned to emm5 and sequence type ST-99 (emm5/ST-99), harbored superantigen genes speC, speG, and smeZ, and were assigned to two similar PFGE patterns (clones). Among the outbreak associated isolates, all carried ermA with resistance to erythromycin and inducible resistance to clindamycin, and eight (80%) carried a tetM gene with resistance to tetracycline. Among the 14 carriage isolates, 12 were emm12/ST-36, and 2 were emm1/ST-28, all with superantigen genes speC, speG, ssa, and smeZ. All the carriage isolates harbored ermB and tetM with resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline. Genome analysis showed the two outbreak clones were closely related and possessed new prophages carrying virulence gene sdc and antibiotic resistance genes of ermA and tetM, which were not found in the emm5 reference strain Manfredo. This is the first report of a GAS outbreak in this type of workplace. The outbreak was caused by two closely related emm5 clones that differed from the predominant emm types circulating in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China.,Shanghai Institutes of Preventive MedicineShanghai, China
| | - Wenqing Wang
- Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Lihong Tu
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Yaxu Zheng
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Hao Pan
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Gangyi Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Yanxin Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Linying Zhu
- Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
| | - Min Chen
- Shanghai Municipal Center for Disease Control and PreventionShanghai, China
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18
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Teatero S, Coleman BL, Beres SB, Olsen RJ, Kandel C, Reynolds O, Athey TBT, Musser JM, McGeer A, Fittipaldi N. Rapid Emergence of a New Clone Impacts the Population at Risk and Increases the Incidence of Type emm89 Group A Streptococcus Invasive Disease. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx042. [PMID: 28470020 PMCID: PMC5407211 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease caused by type emm89 strains has been increasing worldwide, driven by the emergence of an epidemic clonal variant (clade 3 emm89). The clinical characteristics of patients with emm89 iGAS disease, and in particular with clade 3 emm89 iGAS disease, are poorly described. Methods We used population-based iGAS surveillance data collected in metropolitan Toronto, Ontario, Canada during the period 2000–2014. We sequenced the genomes of 105 emm89 isolates representing all emm89 iGAS disease cases in the area during the period and 138 temporally matched emm89 iGAS isolates collected elsewhere in Ontario. Results Clades 1 and 2 and clade O, a newly discovered emm89 genetic variant, caused most cases of emm89 iGAS disease in metropolitan Toronto before 2008. After rapid emergence of new clade 3, previously circulating clades were purged from the population and the incidence of emm89 iGAS disease significantly increased from 0.14 per 100000 in 2000–2007 to 0.22 per 100000 in 2008–2014. Overall, emm89 organisms caused significantly more arthritis but less necrotizing fasciitis than strains of the more common type emm1. Other clinical presentations were soft tissue and severe respiratory tract infections. Clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between emm89 clades overall. However, clade 3 emm89 iGAS disease was more common in youth and middle-aged individuals. Conclusions The rapid shift in emm89 iGAS strain genetics in metropolitan Toronto has resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of emm89 iGAS disease, with noticeably higher rates of clade 3 disease in younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brenda L Coleman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; and
| | - Stephen B Beres
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas
| | - Randall J Olsen
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas
| | - Christopher Kandel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; and
| | | | | | - James M Musser
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas
| | - Allison McGeer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada.,Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada; and
| | - Nahuel Fittipaldi
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Canada
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19
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Fagan V, Hussein WM, Su M, Giddam AK, Batzloff MR, Good MF, Toth I, Simerska P. Synthesis, Characterization and Immunological Evaluation of Self‐Adjuvanting Group A Streptococcal Vaccine Candidates Bearing Various Lipidic Adjuvanting Moieties. Chembiochem 2017; 18:545-553. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201600639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Fagan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland Cooper Road St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Waleed M. Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland Cooper Road St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Mei Su
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland Cooper Road St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Ashwini K. Giddam
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland Cooper Road St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | | | - Michael F. Good
- Institute for Glycomics Griffith University Gold Coast 4215 Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland Cooper Road St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
- School of Pharmacy Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence The University of Queensland Cornwall Street Woolloongabba QLD 4072 Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience The University of Queensland St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Pavla Simerska
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland Cooper Road St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
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20
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Huish S, Thelwell C, Longstaff C. Activity Regulation by Fibrinogen and Fibrin of Streptokinase from Streptococcus Pyogenes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170936. [PMID: 28125743 PMCID: PMC5268773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptokinase is a virulence factor of streptococci and acts as a plasminogen activator to generate the serine protease plasmin which promotes bacterial metastasis. Streptokinase isolated from group C streptococci has been used therapeutically as a thrombolytic agent for many years and its mechanism of action has been extensively studied. However, group A streptococci are associated with invasive and potentially fatal infections, but less detail is available on the mechanism of action of streptokinase from these bacteria. We have expressed recombinant streptokinase from a group C strain to investigate the therapeutic molecule (here termed rSK-H46A) and a molecule isolated from a cluster 2a strain from group A (rSK-M1GAS) which is known to produce the fibrinogen binding, M1 protein, and is associated with life-threatening disease. Detailed enzyme kinetic models have been prepared which show how fibrinogen-streptokinase-plasminogen complexes regulate plasmin generation, and also the effect of fibrin interactions. As is the case with rSK-H46A our data with rSK-M1GAS support a "trigger and bullet" mechanism requiring the initial formation of SK•plasminogen complexes which are replaced by more active SK•plasmin as plasmin becomes available. This model includes the important fibrinogen interactions that stimulate plasmin generation. In a fibrin matrix rSK-M1GAS has a 24 fold higher specific activity than the fibrin-specific thrombolytic agent, tissue plasminogen activator, and 15 fold higher specific activity than rSK-H46A. However, in vivo fibrin specificity would be undermined by fibrinogen stimulation. Given the observed importance of M1 surface receptors or released M1 protein to virulence of cluster 2a strain streptococci, studies on streptokinase activity regulation by fibrin and fibrinogen may provide additional routes to addressing bacterial invasion and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Huish
- Component development laboratory, NHS Blood and Transplant, Cambridge Donor Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Craig Thelwell
- Biotherapeutics Section, National Institute for Biological Standard and Control, South Mimms, Herts, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Longstaff
- Biotherapeutics Section, National Institute for Biological Standard and Control, South Mimms, Herts, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Pandey
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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22
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de Almeida Torres RSL, dos Santos TZ, Torres RADA, Petrini LMCDM, Burger M, Steer AC, Smeesters PR. Management of Contacts of Patients With Severe Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2016; 5:47-52. [PMID: 26908491 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piu107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting recommendations regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for contacts of patients with invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infection exist. Close contacts of patients with such severe and rapidly progressive disease often strongly appeal to the treating clinicians for antimicrobial treatment to prevent additional cases. We aimed to use an approach based on pharyngeal culture testing of contacts and targeted antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS A large throat swab survey including 105 contacts was undertaken after a fulminant and fatal case of GAS necrotizing fasciitis. GAS strains were characterized by emm typing and antimicrobial susceptibility to 7 antibiotics. The presence of 30 virulence determinants was determined by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. RESULTS The GAS isolate recovered from the index patient was an M1T1 GAS clone susceptible to all antimicrobial agents tested. The same clone was present in the throat of 36% of close contacts who had exposure to the index patient (family households and classroom contacts) for >24 hours/week, whereas the strain was present in only 2% of the other contacts. CONCLUSIONS Although the study does not allow firm conclusions to be drawn as to whether antibiotic prophylaxis is effective, we describe a practical approach, including an educational campaign and targeted antibiotic treatment to close contacts who have been exposed to an index patient for > 24 hours/week before the initial disease onset.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marion Burger
- Secretaria Municipal de Curitiba Associação Hospitalar de Proteção a Infância Dr Raul Carneiro, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne Group A Streptococcal Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne Group A Streptococcal Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Physiology, IBMM, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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23
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Abstract
Epidemiological data regarding group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in South East Asia are scarce with no information from Laos. We characterized emm types, emm clusters and the antibiotic resistance profile of 124 GAS isolates recovered in Laos during 2004-2013. Most strains were recovered from skin and invasive infections (76% and 19%, respectively). Thirty-four emm types were identified as belonging to 12 emm clusters and no novel emm types were identified. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of emm types or emm clusters according to age or site of recovery (skin or invasive infections). There was moderate strain diversity in this country but considerable differences in emm-type distribution between Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Vaccine coverage was high for the J8 vaccine candidate. The theoretical coverage for the 30-valent vaccine candidate needs further investigation. Antibiotic resistance was moderate to erythromycin and chloramphenicol (8% and 7%, respectively) and low to ofloxacin (<1%).
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24
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Good MF, Pandey M, Batzloff MR, Tyrrell GJ. Strategic development of the conserved region of the M protein and other candidates as vaccines to prevent infection with group A streptococci. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:1459-70. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1081817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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25
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Freschi de Barros S, De Amicis KM, Alencar R, Smeesters PR, Trunkel A, Postól E, Almeida Junior JN, Rossi F, Pignatari ACC, Kalil J, Guilherme L. Streptococcus pyogenes strains in Sao Paulo, Brazil: molecular characterization as a basis for StreptInCor coverage capacity analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:308. [PMID: 26243278 PMCID: PMC4525746 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1052-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several human diseases are caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, ranging from common infections to autoimmunity. Characterization of the most prevalent strains worldwide is a useful tool for evaluating the coverage capacity of vaccines under development. In this study, a collection of S. pyogenes strains from Sao Paulo, Brazil, was analyzed to describe the diversity of strains and assess the vaccine coverage capacity of StreptInCor. METHODS Molecular epidemiology of S. pyogenes strains was performed by emm-genotyping the 229 isolates from different clinical sites, and PCR was used for superantigen profile analysis. The emm-pattern and tissue tropism for these M types were also predicted and compared based on the emm-cluster classification. RESULTS The strains were fit into 12 different emm-clusters, revealing a diverse phylogenetic origin and, consequently, different mechanisms of infection and escape of the host immune system. Forty-eight emm-types were distinguished in 229 samples, and the 10 most frequently observed types accounted for 69 % of all isolates, indicating a diverse profile of circulating strains comparable to other countries under development. A similar proportion of E and A-C emm-patterns were observed, whereas pattern D was less frequent, indicating that the strains of this collection primarily had a tissue tropism for the throat. In silico analysis of the coverage capacity of StreptInCor, an M protein-conserved regionally based vaccine candidate developed by our group, had a range of 94.5 % to 59.7 %, with a mean of 71.0 % identity between the vaccine antigen and the predicted amino acid sequence of the emm-types included here. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of S. pyogenes strain characterization in Sao Paulo, one of the largest cities in the world; thus, the strain panel described here is a representative sample for vaccine coverage capacity analysis. Our results enabled evaluation of StreptInCor candidate vaccine coverage capacity against diverse M-types, indicating that the vaccine candidate likely would induce protection against the diverse strains worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Freschi de Barros
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Karine Marafigo De Amicis
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Raquel Alencar
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Pierre Robert Smeesters
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, Institute de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, 1050, Belgium.
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, 3052, Australia.
| | - Ariel Trunkel
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Edilberto Postól
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - João Nóbrega Almeida Junior
- Microbiology Laboratory of Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Flavia Rossi
- Microbiology Laboratory of Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | | | - Jorge Kalil
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
| | - Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Immunology, Clinical Hospital, Heart Institute (HC-FMUSP), Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 44, Sao Paulo, 05403-000, Brazil.
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Correlates of Protection for M Protein-Based Vaccines against Group A Streptococcus. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:167089. [PMID: 26101780 PMCID: PMC4458553 DOI: 10.1155/2015/167089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is known to cause a broad spectrum of illness, from pharyngitis and impetigo, to autoimmune sequelae such as rheumatic heart disease, and invasive diseases. It is a significant cause of infectious disease morbidity and mortality worldwide, but no efficacious vaccine is currently available. Progress in GAS vaccine development has been hindered by a number of obstacles, including a lack of standardization in immunoassays and the need to define human correlates of protection. In this review, we have examined the current immunoassays used in both GAS and other organisms, and explored the various challenges in their implementation in order to propose potential future directions to identify a correlate of protection and facilitate the development of M protein-based vaccines, which are currently the main GAS vaccine candidates.
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27
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Martin WJ, Steer AC, Smeesters PR, Keeble J, Inouye M, Carapetis J, Wicks IP. Post-infectious group A streptococcal autoimmune syndromes and the heart. Autoimmun Rev 2015; 14:710-25. [PMID: 25891492 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need to reduce the high global disease burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and its harbinger, acute rheumatic fever (ARF). ARF is a classical example of an autoimmune syndrome and is of particular immunological interest because it follows a known antecedent infection with group A streptococcus (GAS). However, the poorly understood immunopathology of these post-infectious diseases means that, compared to much progress in other immune-mediated diseases, we still lack useful biomarkers, new therapies or an effective vaccine in ARF and RHD. Here, we summarise recent literature on the complex interaction between GAS and the human host that culminates in ARF and the subsequent development of RHD. We contrast ARF with other post-infectious streptococcal immune syndromes - post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) and the still controversial paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS), in order to highlight the potential significance of variations in the host immune response to GAS. We discuss a model for the pathogenesis of ARF and RHD in terms of current immunological concepts and the potential for application of in depth "omics" technologies to these ancient scourges.
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Affiliation(s)
- William John Martin
- Inflammation Division, Water and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Centre for International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Group A Streptococcus Laboratory, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Pierre Robert Smeesters
- Centre for International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Group A Streptococcus Laboratory, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Joanne Keeble
- Inflammation Division, Water and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Michael Inouye
- Medical Systems Biology, Department of Pathology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | | | - Ian P Wicks
- Inflammation Division, Water and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Rheumatology Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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28
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Streptococcus pyogenes emm Types and Clusters during a 7-Year Period (2007 to 2013) in Pharyngeal and Nonpharyngeal Pediatric Isolates. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:2015-21. [PMID: 25878351 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00301-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Surveillance of emm types has important implications, as it can provide baseline information for possible implementation of vaccination. A total of 1,349 GAS pediatric isolates were collected during a 7-year period (2007 to 2013); emm typing was completed for 1,282 pharyngeal (84%) or nonpharyngeal (16%) isolates, and emm clusters and temporal changes were analyzed. Thirty-five different emm types, including 14 subtypes, were identified. The most prevalent emm types identified were 1 (16.7%), 12 (13.6%), 77 (10.9%), 4 (10.8%), 28 (10.4%), 6 (6.8%), 3 (6.6%), and 89 (6.6%), accounting for 82.3% of total isolates. Rheumatogenic emm types comprised 16.3% of total isolates. The emm types 12, 4, and 77 were more prevalent among pharyngeal isolates, and the emm types 1, 89, 6, 75, and 11 were more prevalent among nonpharyngeal isolates. The emm types identified belonged to 13 emm clusters, and the 8 most prevalent clusters comprised 97% of all isolates. There were statistically significant decreases in the prevalence of emm types 12, 4, 5, and 61 and increases in the prevalence of emm types 89, 75, and 11, compared with the period 2001 to 2006. The proposed 30-valent GAS vaccine, which is currently in preclinical studies, encompasses 97.2% of the emm types detected in our study and 97.4% of the erythromycin-resistant strains. In addition, it includes 93.3% of the emm types involved in bacteremia. A much greater diversity of GAS emm types was identified in our area than described previously. Seasonal fluctuations and the introduction of new emm types were observed. Continuous surveillance of emm types is needed in order to evaluate the possible benefits of an M protein-based GAS vaccine.
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29
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Esposito S, Bianchini S, Fastiggi M, Fumagalli M, Andreozzi L, Rigante D. Geoepidemiological hints about Streptococcus pyogenes strains in relationship with acute rheumatic fever. Autoimmun Rev 2015; 14:616-21. [PMID: 25772310 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains are lately classified on the basis of sequence variations in the emm gene encoding the M protein, but despite the high number of distinct emm genotypes, the spectrum of phenotypes varying from invasive suppurative to non-suppurative GAS-related disorders has still to be defined. The relationship of GAS types with the uprising of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), a multisystemic disease caused by misdirected anti-GAS response in predisposed people, is also obscure. Studies published over the last 15 years were retrieved from PubMed using the keywords: "Streptococcus pyogenes" or "group A Streptococcus" and "acute rheumatic fever": the prevalence of peculiar emm types across different countries of the world is highly variable, depending on research designs, year of observation, country involved, patients' age, and gender. Most studies revealed that a relatively small number of specific emm/M protein types can be considered "rheumatogenic", as potentially characterized by the possibility of inducing ARF, with remarkable differences between developing and developed countries. The association between emm types and post-streptococcal manifestations is challenging, however surveillance of disease-causing variants in a specific community with high rate of ARF should be reinforced with the final goal of developing a potential primary prophylaxis against GAS infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Bianchini
- Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Fastiggi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Fumagalli
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Andreozzi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Rigante
- Institute of Pediatrics, Università Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Rome, Italy.
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30
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Zaman M, Chandrudu S, Giddam AK, Reiman J, Skwarczynski M, McPhun V, Moyle PM, Batzloff MR, Good MF, Toth I. Group A Streptococcal vaccine candidate: contribution of epitope to size, antigen presenting cell interaction and immunogenicity. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2014; 9:2613-24. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Utilize lipopeptide vaccine delivery system to develop a vaccine candidate against Group A Streptococcus. Materials & methods: Lipopeptides synthesized by solid-phase peptide synthesis-bearing carboxyl (C)-terminal and amino (N)-terminal Group A Streptococcus peptide epitopes. Nanoparticles formed were evaluated in vivo. Results: Immune responses were induced in mice without additional adjuvant. We demonstrated for the first time that incorporation of the C-terminal epitope significantly enhanced the N-terminal epitope-specific antibody response and correlated with forming smaller nanoparticles. Antigen-presenting cells had increased uptake and maturation by smaller, more immunogenic nanoparticles. Antibodies raised by vaccination recognized isolates. Conclusion: Demonstrated the lipopeptidic nanoparticles to induce an immune response which can be influenced by the combined effect of epitope choice and size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehfuz Zaman
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Saranya Chandrudu
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Ashwini K Giddam
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Jennifer Reiman
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Virginia McPhun
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Peter M Moyle
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | | | - Michael F Good
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
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31
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Sanderson-Smith M, De Oliveira DMP, Guglielmini J, McMillan DJ, Vu T, Holien JK, Henningham A, Steer AC, Bessen DE, Dale JB, Curtis N, Beall BW, Walker MJ, Parker MW, Carapetis JR, Van Melderen L, Sriprakash KS, Smeesters PR. A systematic and functional classification of Streptococcus pyogenes that serves as a new tool for molecular typing and vaccine development. J Infect Dis 2014; 210:1325-38. [PMID: 24799598 PMCID: PMC6083926 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes ranks among the main causes of mortality from bacterial infections worldwide. Currently there is no vaccine to prevent diseases such as rheumatic heart disease and invasive streptococcal infection. The streptococcal M protein that is used as the substrate for epidemiological typing is both a virulence factor and a vaccine antigen. Over 220 variants of this protein have been described, making comparisons between proteins difficult, and hindering M protein-based vaccine development. A functional classification based on 48 emm-clusters containing closely related M proteins that share binding and structural properties is proposed. The need for a paradigm shift from type-specific immunity against S. pyogenes to emm-cluster based immunity for this bacterium should be further investigated. Implementation of this emm-cluster-based system as a standard typing scheme for S. pyogenes will facilitate the design of future studies of M protein function, streptococcal virulence, epidemiological surveillance, and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Sanderson-Smith
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - David M. P. De Oliveira
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Julien Guglielmini
- Microbial Evolutionary Genomics, Département Génomes et Génétique, Institut Pasteur
- CNRS, UMR3525, Paris, France
| | - David J. McMillan
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster, School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
| | - Therese Vu
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jessica K. Holien
- Biota Structural Biology Laboratory, ACRF Rational Drug Discovery Centre, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne
| | - Anna Henningham
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane
| | - Andrew C. Steer
- Murdoch Children Research Institute
- Centre for International Child Health, The University of Melbourne
- Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia
| | - Debra E. Bessen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla
| | - James B. Dale
- Department of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
| | - Nigel Curtis
- Murdoch Children Research Institute
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Bernard W. Beall
- Respiratory Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mark J. Walker
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane
| | - Michael W. Parker
- Biota Structural Biology Laboratory, ACRF Rational Drug Discovery Centre, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne
| | - Jonathan R. Carapetis
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Laurence Van Melderen
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Kadaba S. Sriprakash
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane
| | - Pierre R. Smeesters
- Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
- Murdoch Children Research Institute
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32
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Shulman ST, Tanz RR, Dale JB, Steer AC, Smeesters PR. Added value of the emm-cluster typing system to analyze group A Streptococcus epidemiology in high-income settings. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:1651-2. [PMID: 25115872 PMCID: PMC4227576 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stanford T Shulman
- Divisions of Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Robert R Tanz
- Academic General Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - James B Dale
- Departments of Medicine Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne
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33
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Fagan V, Toth I, Simerska P. Convergent synthetic methodology for the construction of self-adjuvanting lipopeptide vaccines using a novel carbohydrate scaffold. Beilstein J Org Chem 2014; 10:1741-8. [PMID: 25161732 PMCID: PMC4143089 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.10.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel convergent synthetic strategy for the construction of multicomponent self-adjuvanting lipopeptide vaccines was developed. A tetraalkyne-functionalized glucose derivative and lipidated Fmoc-lysine were prepared by novel efficient and convenient syntheses. The carbohydrate building block was coupled to the self-adjuvanting lipidic moiety (three lipidated Fmoc-lysines) on solid support. Four copies of a group A streptococcal B cell epitope (J8) were then conjugated to the glyco-lipopeptide using a copper-catalyzed cycloaddition reaction. The approach was elaborated by the preparation of a second vaccine candidate which incorporated an additional promiscuous T-helper epitope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Fagan
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Cooper Road, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Cooper Road, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia ; The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Pavla Simerska
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Cooper Road, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
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34
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Karaky NM, Araj GF, Tokajian ST. Molecular characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes group A isolates from a tertiary hospital in Lebanon. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:1197-1204. [PMID: 24980572 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.063412-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes [Group A Streptococcus (GAS)] is one of the most important human pathogens, responsible for numerous diseases with diverse clinical manifestations. As the epidemiology of GAS infections evolves, a rapid and reliable characterization of the isolates remains essential for epidemiological analysis and infection control. This study investigated the epidemiological patterns and genetic characteristics of 150 GAS isolates from a tertiary hospital in Lebanon by emm typing, superantigens (SAgs) detection, PFGE and antibiotic profiling. The results revealed 41 distinct emm types, the most prevalent of which were emm89 (16 %), emm12 (10 %), emm2 (9 %) and emm1 (8 %). Testing for the presence of superantigens showed that speB (87 %), ssa (36 %) and speG (30 %) were predominant. PFGE detected 39 pulsotypes when a similarity cut-off value of 80 % was implemented. Antibiotic-susceptibility testing against seven different classes of antibiotics showed that 9 % of the isolates were resistant to clindamycin, 23 % were resistant to erythromycin and 4 % showed the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB) phenotype. The emergence of tetracycline-resistant strains (37 %) was high when compared with previous reports from Lebanon. This study provided comprehensive evidence of the epidemiology of GAS in Lebanon, highlighting the association between emm types and toxin genes, and providing valuable information about the origin and dissemination of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie M Karaky
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - George F Araj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sima T Tokajian
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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Baroux N, D'Ortenzio E, Amédéo N, Baker C, Ali Alsuwayyid B, Dupont-Rouzeyrol M, O'Connor O, Steer A, Smeesters PR. The emm-cluster typing system for Group A Streptococcus identifies epidemiologic similarities across the Pacific region. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:e84-92. [PMID: 24965347 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group A Streptococcus (GAS)-related disease is responsible for high mortality and morbidity in the Pacific region. The high diversity of circulating strains in this region has hindered vaccine development due to apparently low vaccine coverage of type-specific vaccines. METHOD Prospective passive surveillance of all GAS isolates in New Caledonia was undertaken in 2012 using emm typing and emm-cluster typing. Molecular data were compared with the results from a prior study undertaken in the same country and with data from 2 other Pacific countries, Fiji and Australia. RESULTS A high incidence of invasive infection was demonstrated at 43 cases per 100 000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval, 35-52 cases per 100 000 inhabitants). Three hundred eighteen GAS isolates belonging to 47 different emm types were collected. In Noumea, only 30% of the isolates recovered in 2012 belonged to an emm type that was present in the same city in 2006, whereas 69% of the isolates collected in 2012 belonged to an emm cluster present in 2006. When comparing New Caledonian, Australian, and Fijian data, very few common emm types were found, but 79%-86% of the isolates from each country belonged to an emm cluster present in all 3 countries. A vaccine that could protect against the 10 most frequent emm clusters in the Pacific region would potentially provide coverage ranging from 83% to 92%. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the high disease burden of GAS infection in New Caledonia and supports the added value of the emm-cluster typing system to analyze GAS epidemiology and to help inform global GAS vaccine formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Baroux
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Eric D'Ortenzio
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Nathalie Amédéo
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Ciara Baker
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Barakat Ali Alsuwayyid
- Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol
- Dengue and Other Arboviruses Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Olivia O'Connor
- Dengue and Other Arboviruses Research and Expertise Unit, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International Network, Noumea, New Caledonia
| | - Andrew Steer
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pierre R Smeesters
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne Group A Streptococcus Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia Laboratoire de Génétique et Physiologie Bactérienne, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires, Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
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36
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Moreland NJ, Waddington CS, Williamson DA, Sriskandan S, Smeesters PR, Proft T, Steer AC, Walker MJ, Baker EN, Baker MG, Lennon D, Dunbar R, Carapetis J, Fraser JD. Working towards a Group A Streptococcal vaccine: Report of a collaborative Trans-Tasman workshop. Vaccine 2014; 32:3713-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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37
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Disease manifestations and pathogenic mechanisms of Group A Streptococcus. Clin Microbiol Rev 2014. [PMID: 24696436 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00101-13)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus (GAS), causes mild human infections such as pharyngitis and impetigo and serious infections such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Furthermore, repeated GAS infections may trigger autoimmune diseases, including acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic heart disease. Combined, these diseases account for over half a million deaths per year globally. Genomic and molecular analyses have now characterized a large number of GAS virulence determinants, many of which exhibit overlap and redundancy in the processes of adhesion and colonization, innate immune resistance, and the capacity to facilitate tissue barrier degradation and spread within the human host. This improved understanding of the contribution of individual virulence determinants to the disease process has led to the formulation of models of GAS disease progression, which may lead to better treatment and intervention strategies. While GAS remains sensitive to all penicillins and cephalosporins, rising resistance to other antibiotics used in disease treatment is an increasing worldwide concern. Several GAS vaccine formulations that elicit protective immunity in animal models have shown promise in nonhuman primate and early-stage human trials. The development of a safe and efficacious commercial human vaccine for the prophylaxis of GAS disease remains a high priority.
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38
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Walker MJ, Barnett TC, McArthur JD, Cole JN, Gillen CM, Henningham A, Sriprakash KS, Sanderson-Smith ML, Nizet V. Disease manifestations and pathogenic mechanisms of Group A Streptococcus. Clin Microbiol Rev 2014; 27:264-301. [PMID: 24696436 PMCID: PMC3993104 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00101-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 556] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus (GAS), causes mild human infections such as pharyngitis and impetigo and serious infections such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Furthermore, repeated GAS infections may trigger autoimmune diseases, including acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, acute rheumatic fever, and rheumatic heart disease. Combined, these diseases account for over half a million deaths per year globally. Genomic and molecular analyses have now characterized a large number of GAS virulence determinants, many of which exhibit overlap and redundancy in the processes of adhesion and colonization, innate immune resistance, and the capacity to facilitate tissue barrier degradation and spread within the human host. This improved understanding of the contribution of individual virulence determinants to the disease process has led to the formulation of models of GAS disease progression, which may lead to better treatment and intervention strategies. While GAS remains sensitive to all penicillins and cephalosporins, rising resistance to other antibiotics used in disease treatment is an increasing worldwide concern. Several GAS vaccine formulations that elicit protective immunity in animal models have shown promise in nonhuman primate and early-stage human trials. The development of a safe and efficacious commercial human vaccine for the prophylaxis of GAS disease remains a high priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. Walker
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy C. Barnett
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason D. McArthur
- School of Biological Sciences and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason N. Cole
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Christine M. Gillen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anna Henningham
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Pediatrics and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - K. S. Sriprakash
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Martina L. Sanderson-Smith
- School of Biological Sciences and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Victor Nizet
- Department of Pediatrics and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
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De Amicis KM, Freschi de Barros S, Alencar RE, Postól E, Martins CDO, Arcuri HA, Goulart C, Kalil J, Guilherme L. Analysis of the coverage capacity of the StreptInCor candidate vaccine against Streptococcus pyogenes. Vaccine 2013; 32:4104-10. [PMID: 23994376 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for infections as pharyngitis, sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The M protein is the major bacterial antigen and consists of both polymorphic N-terminal portion and a conserved region. In the present study, we analyzed the in vitro ability of StreptInCor a C-terminal candidate vaccine against S. pyogenes to induce antibodies to neutralize/opsonize the most common S. pyogenes strains in Sao Paulo by examining the recognition by sera from StreptInCor immunized mice. We also evaluated the presence of cross-reactive antibodies against human heart valve tissue. Anti-StreptInCor antibodies were able to neutralize/opsonize at least 5 strains, showing that immunization with StreptInCor is effective against several S. pyogenes strains and can prevent infection and subsequent sequelae without causing autoimmune reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine M De Amicis
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samar Freschi de Barros
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel E Alencar
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edilberto Postól
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlo de Oliveira Martins
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helen Andrade Arcuri
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jorge Kalil
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Clinical Immunology and Allergy Division, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Immunology Investigation Institute, National Institute for Science and Technology, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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Structure-informed design of an enzymatically inactive vaccine component for group A Streptococcus. mBio 2013; 4:mBio.00509-13. [PMID: 23919999 PMCID: PMC3735194 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00509-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus [GAS]) causes ~700 million human infections/year, resulting in >500,000 deaths. There is no commercial GAS vaccine available. The GAS surface protein arginine deiminase (ADI) protects mice against a lethal challenge. ADI is an enzyme that converts arginine to citrulline and ammonia. Administration of a GAS vaccine preparation containing wild-type ADI, a protein with inherent enzymatic activity, may present a safety risk. In an approach intended to maximize the vaccine safety of GAS ADI, X-ray crystallography and structural immunogenic epitope mapping were used to inform vaccine design. This study aimed to knock out ADI enzyme activity without disrupting the three-dimensional structure or the recognition of immunogenic epitopes. We determined the crystal structure of ADI at 2.5 Å resolution and used it to select a number of amino acid residues for mutagenesis to alanine (D166, E220, H275, D277, and C401). Each mutant protein displayed abrogated activity, and three of the mutant proteins (those with the D166A, H275A, and D277A mutations) possessed a secondary structure and oligomerization state equivalent to those of the wild type, produced high-titer antisera, and avoided disruption of B-cell epitopes of ADI. In addition, antisera raised against the D166A and D277A mutant proteins bound to the GAS cell surface. The inactivated D166A and D277A mutant ADIs are ideal for inclusion in a GAS vaccine preparation. There is no human ortholog of ADI, and we confirm that despite limited structural similarity in the active-site region to human peptidyl ADI 4 (PAD4), ADI does not functionally mimic PAD4 and antiserum raised against GAS ADI does not recognize human PAD4. We present an example of structural biology informing human vaccine design. We previously showed that the administration of the enzyme arginine deiminase (ADI) to mice protected the mice against infection with multiple GAS serotypes. In this study, we determined the structure of GAS ADI and used this information to improve the vaccine safety of GAS ADI. Catalytically inactive mutant forms of ADI retained structure, recognition by antisera, and immunogenic epitopes, rendering them ideal for inclusion in GAS vaccine preparations. This example of structural biology informing vaccine design may underpin the formulation of a safe and efficacious GAS vaccine.
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Dunne EM, Marshall JL, Baker CA, Manning J, Gonis G, Danchin MH, Smeesters PR, Satzke C, Steer AC. Detection of group a streptococcal pharyngitis by quantitative PCR. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:312. [PMID: 23844865 PMCID: PMC3711935 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the most common bacterial cause of sore throat. School-age children bear the highest burden of GAS pharyngitis. Accurate diagnosis is difficult: the majority of sore throats are viral in origin, culture-based identification of GAS requires 24–48 hours, and up to 15% of children are asymptomatic throat carriers of GAS. The aim of this study was to develop a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for detecting GAS pharyngitis and assess its suitability for clinical diagnosis. Methods Pharyngeal swabs were collected from children aged 3–18 years (n = 91) and adults (n = 36) located in the Melbourne area who presented with sore throat. Six candidate PCR assays were screened using a panel of reference isolates, and two of these assays, targeting speB and spy1258, were developed into qPCR assays. The qPCR assays were compared to standard culture-based methods for their ability to detect GAS pharyngitis. GAS isolates from culture positive swabs underwent emm-typing. Clinical data were used to calculate McIsaac scores as an indicator of disease severity. Results Twenty-four of the 127 samples (18.9%) were culture-positive for GAS, and all were in children (26%). The speB qPCR had 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared with gold-standard culture, whereas the spy1258 qPCR had 87% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Nine different emm types were found, of which emm 89, 3, and 28 were most common. Bacterial load as measured by qPCR correlated with culture load. There were no associations between symptom severity as indicated by McIsaac scores and GAS bacterial load. Conclusions The speB qPCR displayed high sensitivity and specificity and may be a useful tool for GAS pharyngitis diagnosis and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Dunne
- Pneumococcal Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Seroprevalence of Streptococcal Inhibitor of Complement (SIC) suggests association of streptococcal infection with chronic kidney disease. BMC Nephrol 2013; 14:101. [PMID: 23642030 PMCID: PMC3651410 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2369-14-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Group A streptococcus (GAS) is an etiological agent for the immune mediated sequela post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). In some populations PSGN is recognized as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It was found that a significantly greater proportion of subjects with past history of PSGN than without the history exhibited seroreactions to streptococcal antigens called streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) and to distantly related SIC (DRS). These antigens are expressed by major PSGN-associated GAS types. We therefore predicted that in populations such as India, which is endemic for streptococcal diseases and which has high prevalence of CKD and ESRD, greater proportions of CKD and ESRD patients exhibit seroreaction to SIC and DRS than healthy controls. METHODS To test this we conducted a SIC and DRS seroprevalence study in subjects from Mumbai area. We recruited 100 CKD, 70 ESRD and 70 healthy individuals. RESULTS Nineteen and 35.7% of CKD and ESRD subjects respectively were SIC antibody-positive, whereas only 7% of healthy cohort was seropositive to SIC. Furthermore, significantly greater proportion of the ESRD patients than the CKD patients is seropositive to SIC (p=0.02; odds ratio 2.37). No association was found between the renal diseases and DRS-antibody-positivity. CONCLUSIONS Past infection with SIC-positive GAS is a risk factor for CKD and ESRD in Mumbai population. Furthermore, SIC seropositivity is predictive of poor prognosis of CKD patients.
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McMillan DJ, Drèze PA, Vu T, Bessen DE, Guglielmini J, Steer AC, Carapetis JR, Van Melderen L, Sriprakash KS, Smeesters PR. Updated model of group A Streptococcus M proteins based on a comprehensive worldwide study. Clin Microbiol Infect 2013; 19:E222-9. [PMID: 23464795 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) M protein is an important virulence factor and potential vaccine antigen, and constitutes the basis for strain typing (emm-typing). Although >200 emm-types are characterized, structural data were obtained from only a limited number of emm-types. We aim to evaluate the sequence diversity of near-full-length M proteins from worldwide sources and analyse their structure, sequence conservation and classification. GAS isolates recovered from throughout the world during the last two decades underwent emm-typing and complete emm gene sequencing. Predicted amino acid sequence analyses, secondary structure predictions and vaccine epitope mapping were performed using MUSCLE and Geneious software. A total of 1086 isolates from 31 countries were analysed, representing 175 emm-types. emm-type is predictive of the whole protein structure, independent of geographical origin or clinical association. Findings of an emm-type paired with multiple, highly divergent central regions were not observed. M protein sequence length, the presence or absence of sequence repeats and predicted secondary structure were assessed in the context of the latest vaccine developments. Based on these global data, the M6 protein model is updated to a three representative M protein (M5, M80 and M77) model, to aid in epidemiological analysis, vaccine development and M protein-related pathogenesis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J McMillan
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Huta B, Lensboeur JJ, Lowe AJ, Zubieta J, Doyle RP. Metal-citrate complex uptake and CitMHS transporters: From coordination chemistry to possible vaccine development. Inorganica Chim Acta 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ica.2012.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bauer MJ, Georgousakis MM, Vu T, Henningham A, Hofmann A, Rettel M, Hafner LM, Sriprakash KS, McMillan DJ. Evaluation of novel Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine candidates incorporating multiple conserved sequences from the C-repeat region of the M-protein. Vaccine 2012; 30:2197-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.12.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Revised: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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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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The emm-type diversity does not always reflect the M protein genetic diversity—Is there a case for designer vaccine against GAS. Vaccine 2010; 28:883-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.10.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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