Population Genomics Reveals Distinct Temporal Association with the Emergence of ST1 Serotype V Group B Streptococcus and Macrolide Resistance in North America

Identified in the 1970s as the leading cause of invasive bacterial disease in neonates and young infants, group B Streptococcus (GBS) is now also recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among adults with underlying medical conditions and the elderly. Concomitant with the increasing incidence of GBS invasive disease in adults is the rise of resistance among GBS isolates to second line antibiotics. Previous research shows that among serotype V GBS, one of the most common capsular types causing adult invasive disease, sequence type 1 (ST1), accounts for an overwhelming majority of adult invasive disease isolates and frequently harbors macrolide resistance. In this study, using whole-genome sequencing data from strains isolated in the United States and Canada over a 45-year period, we examined the association of antimicrobial resistance with the emergence of invasive serotype V ST1 GBS. Our findings show a strong temporal association between increased macrolide resistance and the emergence of serotype V ST1 GBS subpopulations that currently co-circulate to cause invasive disease in adults and young infants. ST1 GBS subpopulations are defined, in part, by the presence of macrolide resistance genes in mobile genetic elements. Increased frequency of macrolide resistance-encoding mobile genetic elements among invasive GBS ST1 strains suggests the presence of such elements contributes to GBS virulence. Our work provides a foundation for the investigation of genetic features contributing to the increasing prevalence and pathogenesis of serotype V GBS in adult invasive disease.

Automated summary

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of invasive bacterial disease in neonates and young infants, and it also affects adults and the elderly. GBS isolates are becoming resistant to second line antibiotics. This study examined the association of antimicrobial resistance with the emergence of invasive GBS in adults by analyzing whole-genome sequencing data from strains isolated in the United States and Canada over a 45-year period. The findings show a temporal association between increased macrolide resistance and the emergence of GBS subpopulations causing invasive disease in adults and infants. The presence of macrolide resistance genes in mobile genetic elements contributes to GBS virulence. This research provides a foundation for further investigation into the genetic features contributing to the prevalence and pathogenesis of GBS in adult invasive disease.