Group A streptococcal strains isolated in Lao People's Democratic Republic from 2004 to 2013.

S Rattanavong,M Vongsouvath,D A B Dance,C Baker,A C Steer,P R Smeesters,P N Newton,H Frost,V Davong,R Phetsouvanh

doi:10.1017/s0950268815002927

Abstract

Epidemiological data regarding group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in South East Asia are scarce with no information from Laos. We characterized emm types, emm clusters and the antibiotic resistance profile of 124 GAS isolates recovered in Laos during 2004-2013. Most strains were recovered from skin and invasive infections (76% and 19%, respectively). Thirty-four emm types were identified as belonging to 12 emm clusters and no novel emm types were identified. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of emm types or emm clusters according to age or site of recovery (skin or invasive infections). There was moderate strain diversity in this country but considerable differences in emm-type distribution between Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Vaccine coverage was high for the J8 vaccine candidate. The theoretical coverage for the 30-valent vaccine candidate needs further investigation. Antibiotic resistance was moderate to erythromycin and chloramphenicol (8% and 7%, respectively) and low to ofloxacin (<1%).

Highlights

Group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes; group A streptococcal (GAS)) 2015 [1]
The 30-valent type-specific vaccine candidate cause significant morbidity and mortality globally includes peptides from a selection of M proteins assowith most of the disease burden occurring in low- ciated with disease burden in both high- and lowand middle-income settings
We identified 34 emm types as belonging to 12 emm clusters and no novel emm types were identified (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes; GAS) 2015 [1]. The 30-valent type-specific vaccine candidate cause significant morbidity and mortality globally includes peptides from a selection of M proteins assowith most of the disease burden occurring in low- ciated with disease burden in both high- and lowand middle-income settings. Limited epidemiological data regarding circulating emm types and J8 variants are available Invasive disease was defined as the isolation of GAS from blood in a patient with a clinical infection. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of emm types or emm clusters according to age or site of recovery (skin or invasive infections).

Results

Conclusion