Characterization of a novel <i>covS</i> SNP identified in Australian group A <i>Streptococcus</i> isolates derived from the M1_UK lineage.

ABSTRACT: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a human-adapted pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases. The GAS M1_UK lineage has contributed significantly to the recently reported increases in scarlet fever and invasive infections. However, the basis for its evolutionary success is not yet fully understood. During the transition to systemic disease, the M1 serotype is known to give rise to spontaneous mutations in the control of virulence two-component regulatory system (CovRS) that confer a fitness advantage during invasive infections. Mutations that inactivate CovS function result in the de-repression of key GAS virulence factors such as streptolysin O (SLO), a pore-forming toxin and major trigger of inflammasome/interleukin-1β-dependent inflammation. Conversely, expression of t

SUBMITTER: Richter J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11796353 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature