Determination of the relationship between group A streptococcal genome content, M type, and toxic shock syndrome by a mixed genome microarray.

ABSTRACT: Group A streptococci (GAS), or Streptococcus pyogenes, are associated with a remarkable variety of diseases, ranging from superficial infections to life-threatening diseases such as toxic-shock-like syndrome (TSS). GAS strains belonging to M types M1 and M3 are associated with TSS. This study aims to obtain insight into the gene profiles underlying different M types and disease manifestations. Genomic differences between 76 clinically well characterized GAS strains collected in The Netherlands were examined using a mixed-genome microarray. Inter-M-type genomic differences clearly outweighed intra-M-type genome variation. Phages were major contributors to observed genome diversification. We identified four novel genes, including two genes encoding fibronectin-binding-like proteins, which ar

SUBMITTER: Vlaminckx BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1865738 | biostudies-literature | 2007 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature