Human Group A Streptococci Virulence Genes in Bovine Group C Streptococci

Abstract

Phage-encoded virulence genes of group A streptococci were detected in 10 (55.6%) of 18 isolates of group C streptococci that had caused bovine mastitis. Bovine isolates carried other genetic determinants, such as composite transposon Tn1207.3/Φ10394.4 (100%) and antimicrobial drug resistance genes erm(B)/erm(A) (22.2%), linB (16.6%), and tet(M)/tet(O) (66.7%), located on mobile elements.

Keywords

• Bovine mastitis
• lysogeny
• prophages
• superantigens
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae