DNA sequencing brings scientists closer to global Strep A vaccine

A global vaccine for Group A Streptococcus could be within reach after a group of researchers discovered common genes in the DNA of more than 2,000 bacteria samples from around the world.

The researchers' findings, published this week in Nature Genetics, are the result of 10 years of sequencing the DNA of Strep A samples from 22 countries. While past research into a vaccine has been based largely on data from wealthy nations such as the U.K. and U.S., the new research spans the globe and includes low-income groups and nations in which Strep A is endemic.

With large-scale genomic sequencing, the scientists were able to identify genes present in Strep A strains from all 22 countries. Their findings can thus be used to aid in the development of a global vaccine, with further research focused specifically on those molecular targets.

Beyond potentially expediting the discovery of a vaccine, the genomic data will also "help researchers understand how Strep A causes disease and why it is different in high-income areas to endemic regions," according to Gordon Dougan, PhD, an author of the study and a professor at the University of Cambridge.

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