Genome-Wide Screens Identify Group A Streptococcus Surface Proteins Promoting Female Genital Tract Colonization and Virulence.

ABSTRACT: Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a major pathogen that impacts health and economic affairs worldwide. Although the oropharynx is the primary site of infection, GAS can colonize the female genital tract and cause severe diseases, such as puerperal sepsis, neonatal infections, and necrotizing myometritis. Our understanding of how GAS genes contribute to interaction with the primate female genital tract is limited by the lack of relevant animal models. Using two genome-wide transposon mutagenesis screens, we identified 69 GAS genes required for colonization of the primate vaginal mucosa in vivo and 96 genes required for infection of the uterine wall ex vivo. We discovered a common set of 39 genes important for GAS fitness in both environments. They include genes encoding transporters, surface p

SUBMITTER: Zhu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7184637 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature