The ongoing Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) outbreak in London, United Kingdom, in December 2022: a molecular epidemiology study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Epidemiological and whole-genome sequencing analysis of an ongoing outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) in London (United Kingdom).

Methods

Prospective identification of Group A Streptococcus cases from a diagnostic laboratory serving central and south London between 27 November and 10 December 2022. Case notes were reviewed and isolates were retrieved. Case numbers were compared with the previous 5 years. Whole-genome sequencing was performed with long-read, nanopore technology for emm typing and identification of superantigen genes. Associations of pathogen-related factors with an invasive disease were assessed by single-variable and multi-variable logistic regression.

Results

Case numbers began increasing in October 2022 from a base

SUBMITTER: Alcolea-Medina A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10769882 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature