Phage 3396 from a Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis pathovar may have its origins in streptococcus pyogenes.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strains (group G streptococcus [GGS]) are largely defined as commensal organisms, which are closely related to the well-defined human pathogen, the group A streptococcus (GAS). While lateral gene transfers are emerging as a common theme in these species, little is known about the mechanisms and role of these transfers and their effect on the population structure of streptococci in nature. It is now becoming evident that bacteriophages are major contributors to the genotypic diversity of GAS and, consequently, are pivotal to the GAS strain structure. Furthermore, bacteriophages are strongly associated with altering the pathogenic potential of GAS. In contrast, little is know about phages from GGS and their role in the population dynamics of GGS.

SUBMITTER: Davies MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1855781 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature