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Phage 3396 from a Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis Pathovar May Have Its Origins in Streptococcus pyogenes ^,

Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane 4029, Australia,¹ The Australian Centre for International Tropical Health and Nutrition, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane 4029, Australia,² Cooperative Research Centre for Vaccine Technology, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane 4029, Australia,³ National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2 Canada,⁴ Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada,⁵ Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane 4029, Australia⁶

Received 13 October 2006/ Accepted 17 January 2007

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strains (group G streptococcus [GGS]) are largely defined as commensal organisms, which are closely related to the well-defined human pathogen, the group A streptococcus (GAS). While lateral gene transfers are emerging as a common theme in these species, little is known about the mechanisms and role of these transfers and their effect on the population structure of streptococci in nature. It is now becoming evident that bacteriophages are major contributors to the genotypic diversity of GAS and, consequently, are pivotal to the GAS strain structure. Furthermore, bacteriophages are strongly associated with altering the pathogenic potential of GAS. In contrast, little is know about phages from GGS and their role in the population dynamics of GGS. In this study we report the first complete genome sequence of a GGS phage, 3396. Exhibiting high homology to the GAS phage 315.1, the chimeric nature of 3396 is unraveled to reveal evidence of extensive ongoing genetic diversity and dissemination of streptococcal phages in nature. Furthermore, we expand on our recent findings to identify inducible 3396 homologues in GAS from a region of endemicity for GAS and GGS infection. Together, these findings provide new insights into not only the population structure of GGS but also the overall population structure of the streptococcal genus and the emergence of pathogenic variants.

Published ahead of print on 26 January 2007.

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