Large Clusters of Invasive emm49 Group A Streptococcus Identified Within Arizona Health Care Facilities Through Statewide Genomic Surveillance System, 2019-2021

Hayley D. Yaglom, Rachana Bhattarai, Darrin Lemmer, Laura Rust, Chase Ridenour, Kaitlyn Chorbi, Elizabeth Kim, Heather Centner, Krystal Sheridan, Daniel Jasso-Selles, Daryn E. Erickson, Chris French, Jolene R. Bowers, Michael Valentine, Drew Francis, Crystal M. Hepp, Shane Brady, Kenneth K. Komatsu, David M. Engelthaler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A statewide genomic surveillance system for invasive Group A Streptococcus was implemented in Arizona in June 2019, resulting in 1046 isolates being submitted for genomic analysis to characterize emm types and identify transmission clusters. Eleven of the 32 identified distinct emm types comprised >80% of samples, with 29.7% of all isolates being typed as emm49 (and its genetic derivative emm151). Phylogenetic analysis initially identified an emm49 genomic cluster of 4 isolates that rapidly expanded over subsequent months (June 2019 to February 2020). Public health investigations identified epidemiologic links with 3 different long-term care facilities, resulting in specific interventions. Unbiased genomic surveillance allowed for identification and response to clusters that would have otherwise remained undetected.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)598-605
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume230
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • clusters
  • emm types
  • genomic
  • group A Streptococcus
  • invasive
  • surveillance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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