Journal article
Genes for the Majority of Group A Streptococcal Virulence Factors and Extracellular Surface Proteins Do Not Confer an Increased Propensity to Cause Invasive Disease
Clinical Infectious Diseases, Vol.43(7), pp.884-891
2006
Abstract
Background. The factors behind the reemergence of severe, invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) diseases are unclear, but it could be caused by altered genetic endowment in these organisms. However, data from previous studies assessing the association between single genetic factors and invasive disease are often conflicting, suggesting that other, as-yet unidentified factors are necessary for the development of this class of disease. Methods. In this study, we used a targeted GAS virulence microarray containing 226 GAS genes to determine the virulence gene repertoires of 68 GAS isolates (42 associated with invasive disease and 28 associated with noninvasive disease) collected in a defined geographic location during a contiguous time period. We then employed 3 advanced machine learning methods (genetic algorithm neural network, support vector machines, and classification trees) to identify genes with an increased association with invasive disease. Results. Virulence gene profiles of individual GAS isolates varied extensively among these geographically and temporally related strains. Using genetic algorithm neural network analysis, we identified 3 genes with a marginal overrepresentation in invasive disease isolates. Significantly, 2 of these genes, ssa and mf4, encoded superantigens but were only present in a restricted set of GAS M-types. The third gene, spa, was found in variable distributions in all M-types in the study. Conclusions. Our comprehensive analysis of GAS virulence profiles provides strong evidence for the incongruent relationships among any of the 226 genes represented on the array and the overall propensity of GAS to cause invasive disease, underscoring the pathogenic complexity of these diseases, as well as the importance of multiple bacteria and/or host factors.
Details
- Title
- Genes for the Majority of Group A Streptococcal Virulence Factors and Extracellular Surface Proteins Do Not Confer an Increased Propensity to Cause Invasive Disease
- Authors
- David J McMillan (Author) - Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, AustraliaR G Beiko (Author) - University of QueenslandR Geffers (Author) - Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, AustraliaJ Buer (Author) - German Research Centre for Biotechnology, GermanyL M Schouls (Author) - National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, NetherlandsB J M Vlaminckx (Author) - University Medical Centre, NetherlandsW J B Wannet (Author) - National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, NetherlandsK S Sriprakash (Author) - Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, AustraliaG S Chhatwal (Author) - German Research Centre for Biotechnology, Germany
- Publication details
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Vol.43(7), pp.884-891
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- DOI
- 10.1086/507537
- ISSN
- 1058-4838
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Centre for Bioinnovation; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450266402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
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