Juno__global_genomic_survey_of_Streptococcus_agalactiae

Group B Streptococcus (GBS, a.k.a. Streptococcus agalactiae) is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of neonatal invasive disease, with a particular impact on infant mortality in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where disease prevention strategies are less often implemented or have low coverage. In this study, we will conduct a whole genome sequence analysis of GBS isolates from across a broad geographical and temporal span with the central aim of informing disease intervention strategies. Analysis of whole genome sequence data has the potential to provide clear answers to many of the important questions around GBS disease and vaccine development. The three key areas that we need to understand to reduce the global burden of GBS disease are pathogen diversity, pathogen genetic associations with the disease and pathogen transmission