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Clinical Microbiology Reviews, July 2000, p. 470-511, Vol. 13, No. 3
0893-8512/00/$04.00+0
Copyright © 2000, American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.

Pathogenesis of Group A Streptococcal Infections

Madeleine W. Cunningham*

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Group A streptococci are model extracellular gram-positive pathogens responsible for pharyngitis, impetigo, rheumatic fever, and acute glomerulonephritis. A resurgence of invasive streptococcal diseases and rheumatic fever has appeared in outbreaks over the past 10 years, with a predominant M1 serotype as well as others identified with the outbreaks. emm (M protein) gene sequencing has changed serotyping, and new virulence genes and new virulence regulatory networks have been defined. The emm gene superfamily has expanded to include antiphagocytic molecules and immunoglobulin-binding proteins with common structural features. At least nine superantigens have been characterized, all of which may contribute to toxic streptococcal syndrome. An emerging theme is the dichotomy between skin and throat strains in their epidemiology and genetic makeup. Eleven adhesins have been reported, and surface plasmin-binding proteins have been defined. The strong resistance of the group A streptococcus to phagocytosis is related to factor H and fibrinogen binding by M protein and to disarming complement component C5a by the C5a peptidase. Molecular mimicry appears to play a role in autoimmune mechanisms involved in rheumatic fever, while nephritis strain-associated proteins may lead to immune-mediated acute glomerulonephritis. Vaccine strategies have focused on recombinant M protein and C5a peptidase vaccines, and mucosal vaccine delivery systems are under investigation.

* Mailing address: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Biomedical Research Center, 975 NE 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Phone: (405) 271-3128. Fax: (405) 271-2217. E-mail: madeleine-cunningham{at}ouhsc.edu.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews, July 2000, p. 470-511, Vol. 13, No. 3
0893-8512/00/$04.00+0
Copyright © 2000, American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.


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Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. Clin. Vaccine Immunol.
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Copyright © 2000 by the American Society for Microbiology. All rights reserved.