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In a troubling new development, scientists have identified a rapidly spreading strain of bacteria, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE), which is causing a notable rise in severe infections globally. According to a recent study, this emerging superbug is showing resistance to key antibiotics, leading to more complex and dangerous infections. The findings were published by a team at the Houston Methodist Research Institute in the journal mBio.
SDSE infections are notably aggressive, impacting various parts of the body, including the skin, throat, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. Infections can range from mild cases like strep throat (pharyngitis) to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, a rare flesh-eating disease. This new superbug closely resembles Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), a well-studied pathogen, but scientists know little about the SDSE strain, making it challenging to manage and treat.
The research team focused on a specific subtype of SDSE, known as stG62647, analyzing 120 human isolates to understand its unique behavior. “The stG62647 SDSE strains are important to study because they have been reported to cause unusually severe infections,” the team noted. Their comprehensive approach included decoding both the bacteria’s genome, which stores genetic information, and its transcriptome, which provides a complete snapshot of gene expression at the time of infection.
The study revealed a striking variation in SDSE’s virulence, or its potential to cause damage to the host, with a range of 20-95% severity, based on near-mortality data. This variance in virulence suggests that human genetic factors and pre-existing medical conditions may significantly influence the severity of SDSE infections. This poses a particular challenge for treatment, as individuals with underlying health issues may be at heightened risk.
The researchers emphasized that the information uncovered in this study is vital for future treatment strategies and potential vaccine development. However, they caution that more research is needed to understand SDSE’s spread and to develop effective interventions against this newly emerging bacterial threat. As SDSE continues to gain resistance to existing antibiotics, the need for new treatment protocols and a focused global response becomes increasingly urgent.
This discovery adds to a growing list of antibiotic-resistant superbugs that have alarmed health professionals worldwide, highlighting the ongoing need for antibiotic stewardship and investment in novel antimicrobial therapies.
