Genome sequence of a Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, possessing the group A carbohydrate cell wall antigen, and its comparative genomics

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Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (Sde) is a human pathogen causing a variety of infections from mild pharyngitis to severe sepsis possibly including cases of toxic shock syndrome. This beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species apparently is closely related to another even more serious human pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes, carrying the group A carbohydrate cell wall antigen (therefore also referred as Group A Streptococcus or GAS). S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis mostly possesses either the group C or the group G antigen (therefore referred to as GCS or GGS). This project will result in the first complete genome of a Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strain possessing the group A antigen. The genomic data obtained and a comparative genomic study with other completed streptococcal genomes, especially from S. pyogenes and groups C and G streptococci of animal origin will result in very useful information on the properties essential for the pathogenicity of beta-hemolytic streptococci causing disease in humans. It will also provide highly wanted data for the development of vaccines directed against diseases caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci.