Genetic heterogeneity of the Spy1336/R28-Spy1337 virulence axis in Streptococcus pyogenes and effect on gene transcript levels and pathogenesis.
Streptococcus pyogenes is a strict human pathogen responsible for more than 700 million infections annually worldwide.Strains of serotype M28 S.pyogenes 5-HTP are typically among the five more abundant types causing invasive infections and pharyngitis in adults and children.Type M28 strains also have an unusual propensity to cause puerperal sepsis