SpyGLASS: Streptococcus pyogenes Genomics and Geospatial Linkage.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SpyGLASS: Streptococcus pyogenes Genomics and Geospatial Linkage Analysis in Sheffield
IRAS ID
334500
Contact name
Jennifer Hall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) can cause a range of infections from mild skin infections, tonsillitis or scarlet fever to life-threatening invasive disease with sepsis. S. pyogenes in the UK generally shows a strong seasonality, however in 2022-23 there was an unprecedented increase that occurred much earlier than previous seasons and with an exceptionally high number of invasive cases leading to 491 deaths as of June 2023, affecting an unusually high number of children. We have previously identified that sudden and dramatic increases in infection rates and changes in infection type can be driven by unexpected genetic changes in the streptococcal population, but it is not yet understood whether this most recent change in pattern of upsurge is due to changes in pathogenicity of S. pyogenes or whether it is reflective of wider population factors, such as changes in transmission dynamics or altered population immunity following the COVID-19 pandemic.
To address this, we propose to utilise archived S. pyogenes isolates collected and stored in 2016-2017, 2019, and 2022-2023 during routine NHS clinical diagnostics at the Microbiology laboratory, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, as well as commencing prospective isolate collection from September 2023 to 2028. Whole genome sequencing of these isolates will allow analysis for genetic changes associated with disease. If unusual genetic features are seen, we will examine these further using in-vitro laboratory models of infection. We will link the genomic data to deidentified clinical data to better understand clinical risk factors for severe disease. Linked geospatial data will further enable us to understand community transmission patterns and clusters and understand how infection reservoirs in skin and throat may spill over to cause severe invasive disease in particular individuals.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NE/0033
Date of REC Opinion
9 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion