Contribution of Streptococcus anginosus to Infections Caused by Groups C and G Streptococci, Southern India

• Main Authors: Silvana Reißmann, Claudia Friedrichs, Reena Rajkumari, Andreas Itzek, Marcus Fulde, Arne C. Rodloff, Kootallur N. Brahmadathan, Gursharan S. Chhatwal, D. Patric Nitsche-Schmitz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2010-04-01
• Series: Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: Streptococcus anginosus; streptococci; groups C and G streptococci; suppurative infections; pharyngitis; bacteria
• Online Access: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/16/4/09-0448_article

Vellore, a region in southern India, has a high incidence of severe human infections with β-hemolytic group C and G streptococci (GCGS). To determine the causative species in these infections, we conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing: Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (81%) and S. anginosus (19%) were the causative organisms in the 2-year study period (2006–2007). We used PCR to detect the virulence-related emm gene; results showed that it was restricted to S. dysgalactieae subsp. equisimilis isolates of 99.2% tested positive. Due to a novel marker, S. anginosus and S. constellatus can be quickly and accurately distinguished from other members of the genus. The notable contribution of the anginosus group to human infections suggests that this group of obligate pathogens deserves more attention in healthcare and research.