Group A Streptococcus strains causing meningitis without distinct invasive phenotype

Group A streptococcal (GAS) meningitis causes high morbidity and mortality. To elucidate the invasiveness of GAS in meningitis, we compared five GAS meningitis isolates to otitis and colonizing isolates. Genetic and virulence traits were comparable for all strains suggesting that meningitis likely resulted from a continuous spread of the infection. AbstractGroup A streptococcal (GAS; akaStreptococcus pyogenes) meningitis is a fulminant disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the invasiveness of GAS in meningitis, we compared GAS isolates derived from five cases of meningitis to otitis and colonizing isolates. We did not observe differences in adherence to and invasion of human brain microvascular endothelial cells, virulence factors activity, or barrier disruption. Whole genome sequencing did not reveal particular invasiveness traits. Most patients previously suffered from otitis media suggesting that meningitis likely resulted from a continuous spread of the infection rather than being attributable to changes in the pathogen's virulence.
Source: MicrobiologyOpen - Category: Microbiology Authors: Tags: COMMENTARY Source Type: research