Fitness genes of group A streptococci in necrotizing fasciitis and myositis
Harry R. Hill
Harry R. Hill
Published January 22, 2019
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2019;129(2):516-517. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI126482.
View: Text | PDF
Commentary

Fitness genes of group A streptococci in necrotizing fasciitis and myositis

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis and myositis caused by group A streptococci (GAS) are among the most fulminating infections, with a mortality rate of 20% to 30%. Although numerous regimens have been utilized in attempts to control these devastating infections, such as combinations of various antimicrobial agents and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as well as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, none have been the complete answer. Zhu and colleagues have utilized a transposon-directed insertion-site sequencing (TraDIS) protocol to identify 126 genes of M1 and 116 genes of M28 strains of GAS required for myositis, of which 25% encode transporters, which could be used as possible targets for future therapeutic protocols.

Authors

Harry R. Hill

×

Figure 1

Using TraDIS to assess GAS myositis gene fitness in cynomolgus macaques.

Options: View larger image (or click on image) Download as PowerPoint
Using TraDIS to assess GAS myositis gene fitness in cynomolgus macaques....
Cynomolgus macaques inoculated intramuscularly with the GAS strains M1 or M28 developed necrotic lesions. TraDIS was used to identify fitness genes overlapping between M1 and M28, marking these conserved regions as potential therapeutic targets in cynomolgus macaques.