A worldwide population of Streptococcus pyogenes strains circulating among school-aged children in Auckland, New Zealand: a genomic epidemiology analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a serious post-infectious sequala of Group A Streptococcus (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes). In New Zealand (NZ) ARF is a major cause of health inequity. This study describes the genomic analysis of GAS isolates associated with childhood skin and throat infections in Auckland NZ.

Methods

Isolates (n = 469) collected between March 2018 and October 2019 from the throats and skin of children (5-14 years) underwent whole genomic sequencing. Equal representation across three ethnic groups was ensured through sample quotas with isolates obtained from Indigenous Māori (n = 157, 33%), NZ European/Other (n = 149, 32%) and Pacific Peoples children (n = 163, 35%). Using in silico techniques isolates were classified, assessed f

SUBMITTER: Lacey JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10684382 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature