Epidemiology of Streptococcus pyogenes infections, clonal structure population and antibiotic resistance

Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is one of the major human pathogens responsible for infections worldwide. It may cause mild infections of the skin and mucosal surfaces, as well as severe invasive infections. It has been estimated that S. pyogenes is responsible for half a million deaths a year, and is considered as one of the most important pathogens. Many clinical investigations on S. pyogenes focus on characterization of pathogenic strains, heterogeneity/homogeneity of the population clonal spread, transfer between patients and tracing sources of antibiotic resistance. Advanced studies on vaccines that prevent GAS infections are in progress.