Infectious disease scientists at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) have found that people with a common blood group could be more susceptible to Streptococcal infections. This work has been published in a top-ranking international microbiology publication, mBIO.
Streptococcal infection varies from mild sore throats to lethal blood infections or organs. Repeated infections could lead to chronic conditions such as Rheumatic heart disease.
This study took a different approach in studying Streptococcal infections. Some people are more susceptible to Streptococcal infections and this study focused on other biological reasons that increase the risks.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococcus of GAS) is responsible for over 500,000 deaths worldwide each year. Using IHMRI’s state-of-the art laboratories, investigations were carried out with a highly virulent clone of GAS (M1T1 GAS) that is present in many cases of pharyngitis and other invasive infections.
Dr. De Oliveira found that people with “O” Blood group could be more prone to infections caused by M1T1 GAS. This blood group is more common among urban populations in western countries including Australia.
Mystery behind blood group and Strep infection:
This bacterium interacts with and attaches to numerous sugar molecules that sit on the blood cells. The sugar molecules known as Glycans, are prevalent in O blood group. These data suggest that these glycans acts as a bridge for the GAS to colonize humans, flourishing its growth in the body.
To further understand the progress of the link between Streptococcus and blood groups, a new project – studying the saliva samples obtained from people colonized with GAS is embarked in collaboration with researchers at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
The outcomes of the research are aimed in non-antibiotic treatment for children with sore throat. Sore throat remains one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescription in children. These findings could be implied in future treatment of streptococcal infection.