4.3 Article

Comparative genome analysis of three Group A Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strains isolated in Japan

Journal

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
Volume 70, Issue 3, Pages -

Publisher

MICROBIOLOGY SOC
DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001322

Keywords

?-hemolytic streptococci; Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp; equisimilis; Lancefield Group A; Complete genome sequence; Multiplex PCR; quantitative PCR; Co-culture system

Categories

Funding

  1. JSPS [18K07133]
  2. Takeda Science Foundation
  3. Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research [18K07133] Funding Source: KAKEN

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This study identified the complete genomic sequences of Lancefield group A SDSE strains, revealing a group-specific conserved region that can be targeted for differentiation through PCR. The growth of GA-SDSE was suppressed in the presence of other SDSE and S. pyogenes, potentially explaining the low frequency of isolation of GA-SDSE strains.
Introduction. Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) is a fl-hemolytic streptococcus that causes severe invasive streptococcal infections, especially in the elderly and people with underlying diseases. SDSE strains are primarily characterized by Lancefield group G or C antigens. Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We have previously reported the prevalence of Lancefield group A SDSE (GA-SDSE) strains in Japan and have analysed the draft genome sequences of these strains. As GA-SDSE is a rare type of SDSE, only one complete genome has been sequenced to date. Aim. The present study is focused on genetic characteristics of GA-SDSE strains. In order to examine molecular characteristics, we also tested growth inhibition of other streptococci by GA-SDSE. Methodology. We determined the complete genome sequences of three GA-SDSE strains by two new generation sequencing systems (short -read and long -read sequencing data). Using the sequences, we also conducted a comparative analysis of GA-SDSE and group C/G SDSE strains. In addition, we tested multiplex and quantitative PCRs targeting the GA-SDSE, group G SDSE, and S. pyogenes. Results. We found a group-specific conserved region in GA-SDSE strains that is composed of genes encoding predicted anti-bacteriocin and streptococcal lantibiotic (Sal) proteins. Multiplex and quantitative PCRs targeting the GA-SDSE-specific region were able to distinguish between GA-SDSE, other SDSE, and S. pyogenes strains. The growth of GA-SDSE was suppressed in the presence of group G SDSE, indicating a possible explanation for the low frequency of isolation of GA-SDSE. Conclusion. The comparative genome analysis shows that the genome of GA-SDSE has a distinct arrangement, enabling the differentiation between S. pyogenes, GA-SDSE, and other SDSE strains using our PCR methods.

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