Streptococcus pyogenes genome sequencing

Streptococcus pyogenes (a.k.a. Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a genetically diverse human pathogen (having > 150 serotypes/M types) that commonly causes superficial infections of the throat (pharyngitis/strep-throat) and skin (impetigo). Less commonly GAS also causes fulminant invasive infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) and necrotizing pneumonia, that have high attendant morbidity and mortality. Serotype M89 strains are a prevalent cause of GAS pharyngeal and invasive infections. The whole genome sequence of strain MGAS11027, a pharyngeal infection isolate, was undertaken to gain insight in the genetic basis of GAS serotype M89 pathogenesis.