Genome sequence of a Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, possessing the group A carbohydrate cell wall antigen, and its comparative genomics

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Rudolf Lütticken
• Subject Area: Parasitology and Biology of Tropical Infectious Disease Pathogens
• Term: from 2009 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 151655513

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (Sde) is a human pathogen causing a variety of infections from mild pharyngitis to severe sepsis possibly including cases of toxic shock syndrome. This beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species apparently is closely related to another even more serious human pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes, carrying the group A carbohydrate cell wall antigen (therefore also referred as Group A Streptococcus or GAS). S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis mostly possesses either the group C or the group G antigen (therefore referred to as GCS or GGS). This project will result in the first complete genome of a Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strain possessing the group A antigen. The genomic data obtained and a comparative genomic study with other completed streptococcal genomes, especially from S. pyogenes and groups C and G streptococci of animal origin will result in very useful information on the properties essential for the pathogenicity of beta-hemolytic streptococci causing disease in humans. It will also provide highly wanted data for the development of vaccines directed against diseases caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Participating Persons: Dr. Joseph F. Ferretti; Professor Michael McShan, Ph.D.