Introduction: Beta-hemolytic streptococci (βHS) cause a diverse array of human infections. Despite the high number of cases of streptococcal carriers and diseases, studies discerning the molecular epidemiology of βHS in India are limited. This study reports the molecular and clinical epidemiology of beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections from two geographically distinct regions of India. Methodology: A total of 186 isolates of βHS from north and south India were included. The isolates were identified to species level and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done to detect exotoxin genes, and emm types of group A streptococci (GAS) strains were ascertained by sequencing. Results: GAS was the most common isolate (71.5%), followed by group G streptococci (GGS) (21%). A large proportion of GAS produced speB (97%), smeZ (89%), speF (91%), and speG (84%). SmeZ was produced by 21% and 50% of GGS and GGS, respectively. A total of 45 different emm types/subtypes were seen in GAS, with emm 11 being the most common. Resistance to tetracycline (73%) and erythromycin (34.5%) was commonly seen in GAS. Conclusions: A high diversity of emm types was seen in Indian GAS isolates with high macrolide and tetracycline resistance. SpeA was less commonly seen in Indian GAS isolates. There was no association between disease severity and exotoxin gene production.

Background & objectives:The incidence and severity of invasive and non-invasive infections demonstrate variability over time. The emerging resistance of Group A streptococci (GAS) to commonly used antibiotics is of grave concern. This study was conducted to assess the antimicrobial resistance of beta-haemolytic streptococci (βHS) in India and to ascertain the molecular mechanisms of resistance.Methods:All isolates of βHS from the Trauma Centre of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) (north India), and heavily populated area of old Delhi from 2010 to 2014 and Yashoda Hospital, Secunderabad (in south India, 2010-2012) and preserved isolates of βHS at AIIMS (2005-2009) were included. Phenotypic confirmation was done using conventional methods and the Vitek 2. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done by disc diffusion and E-test. Detection of resistance genes, erm(A), erm(B), mef(A), tet(M) and tet(O), was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results:A total of 296 isolates of βHS (240 from north and 21 from south India) were included in the study. Of the 296 βHS, 220 (74%) were GAS, 52 (17.5%) were Group G streptococci and 11 (3.7%), 10 (3.3%) and three (1%) were Group B streptococci, Group C streptococci and Group F streptococci, respectively. A total of 102 (46%) and 174 (79%) isolates were resistant to tetracycline and erythromycin, respectively; a lower resistance to ciprofloxacin (21, 9.5%) was observed. A total of 42 (14%) and 30 (10%) isolates, respectively, were positive for tet(M) and erm(B) genes. Only 13 (5%) isolates were positive for mef(A). None of the isolates were positive for erm(A) and tet(O). There was discordance between the results of E-test and PCR for erythromycin and tetracycline.Interpretation & conclusions:A high level of resistance to erythromycin and tetracycline was seen in βHS in India. Discordance between genotypic and phenotypic results was reported. Absence of erm(A) and tet(O) with high prevalence of tet(M) and erm(B) was observed.