Emerging Infectious Diseases (Apr 1999)

emm Typing and Validation of Provisional M Types for Group A Streptococci

  • R. Facklam,
  • B. Beall,
  • A. Efstratiou,
  • V. Fischetti,
  • D. Johnson,
  • E. Kaplan,
  • P. Kriz,
  • M. Lovgren,
  • D. Martin,
  • B. Schwartz,
  • A. Totolian,
  • D. Bessen,
  • S. Hollingshead,
  • F. Rubin,
  • J. Scott,
  • G. Tyrrell

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid0502.990209
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5, no. 2
pp. 247 – 253

Abstract

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This report discusses the following issues related to typing of group A streptococci (GAS): The development and use of the 5' emm variable region sequencing (emm typing) in relation to the existing serologic typing system; the designation of emm types in relation to M types; a system for validation of new emm types; criteria for validation of provisional M types to new M-types; a list of reference type cultures for each of the M-type or emm-type strains of GAS; the results of the first culture exchange program for a quality control testing system among the national and World Health Organization collaborating centers for streptococci; and dissemination of new approaches to typing of GAS to the international streptococcal community.

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