Work

Genomic epidemiology of invasive Group A Streptococcus infections in Argentina, 2023: high prevalence of emm 1-global and detection of emm 1 hypervirulent lineages

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to describe the genomic epidemiology of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) in Argentina during 2023. A total of 476 invasive GAS isolates were subtyped and analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. A high prevalence of the emm 1-type strain was observed. Among the emm 1 strains, two highly virulent international variants, emm 1-UK and emm 1-DK, were identified. Additionally, a local variant, called emm 1-ST1319, was detected. This seminal study provides initial insights into the genomic landscape of iGAS, contributing to active surveillance to monitor emerging virulent emm 1 lineages and cross-border transmission in South America. IMPORTANCE Amid the increase in invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections in Argentina in 2023, the implementation of genomic analysis of isolates allowed us to detect at the national level the prevalence of the emm 1 type and within the M1 type, emerging national and international hypervirulent lineages. These findings from our report shed light on the distribution of invasive Group A Streptococcus, laying the foundation for genomic surveillance of this pathogen.

Source: Microbiology Spectrum

DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01310-24

Authors: Lucía Cipolla, Ariel Gianecini, Tomas Poklepovich, Paula Etcheverry, Florencia Rocca, Mónica Prieto

Institution: Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud

Language: English

Topic: Streptococcal Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500