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Research

Optimisation of the sampling method for skin microbiome studies in healthy children: a pilot cohort study

Recent interest in the diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses that make up the skin microbiome has led to numerous studies investigating the skin microbiome in healthy skin and in dermatological conditions. However, skin microbiome analysis is challenging due to relatively low numbers of skin microorganisms compared to mucosal sites, such as the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Microbiome results are heavily influenced by sampling methods.

Research

Interactions between bacteria in the human nasopharynx: a scoping review

Emerging evidence indicates that interactions between bacteria shape the nasopharyngeal microbiome and influence respiratory health. This Review uses the systematic scoping methodology to summarise 88 studies including observational and experimental studies, identifying key interactions between bacteria that colonise the human nasopharynx. 

Research

Recombinational exchange of M-fibril and T-pilus genes generates extensive cell surface diversity in the global group A Streptococcus population

Among genes present in all group A streptococci (GAS), those encoding M-fibril and T-pilus proteins display the highest levels of sequence diversity, giving rise to the two primary serological typing schemes historically used to define strain. A new genotyping scheme for the pilin adhesin and backbone genes is developed and, when combined with emm typing, provides an account of the global GAS strain population.

Research

Transmission potential of Streptococcus pyogenes during a controlled human infection trial of pharyngitis

Controlled human infection (CHI) models can provide insights into transmission of pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A). As part of the Controlled Human Infection with Penicillin for Streptococcus pyogenes (CHIPS) trial, we explored the potential for transmission among participants deliberately infected with the Strep A emm75 strain.

Research

Streptolysins are the primary inflammasome activators in macrophages during Streptococcus pyogenes infection

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen that causes an array of infectious diseases in humans. Accumulating clinical evidence suggests that proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1beta signaling plays an important role in GAS disease progression.

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Genetic Manipulation of Group A Streptococcus-Gene Deletion by Allelic Replacement

An optimized, rapid method for creating markerless isogenic mutations that combines Gibson assembly cloning with a new temperature-sensitive plasmid, pLZts

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A diagnostic test for acute rheumatic fever (pilot study)

Currently there are no diagnostic tests for ARF, and no treatments targeting immune responses to improve disease outcomes.

Research

Acute Rheumatic Fever Diagnosis Collaborative Network (ARC)

ARC is a global network of collaborators committed to reducing the burden of RHD in our lifetime.

Research

Defining Group A Streptococcus interaction with the tonsil epithelium to inform vaccine development

A vaccine that prevents the initial attachment of Strep A to the tonsils would reduce the incidence of Strep throat and severe diseases that result.

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Improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of recurrent tonsillitis

Strep A causes over 775 million infections each year world-wide, including over 615 million cases of tonsil infection (Strep throat).