Genetic Manipulation of Pathogenic Streptococci

This chapter discusses genetic manipulation of pathogenic streptococci. The streptococci are a diverse class of gram-positive bacterial species containing many human pathogens. Suppurative diseases, including pharyngitis, scarlet fever, cellulitis of the skin, impetigo, erysipelas, and the recently recognized toxic shock-like syndrome, are associated with infection by Streptococcus pyogenes, which is also responsible for the serious non suppurative diseases of acute glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever. Streptococcus mutans plays a central role in the development of dental plaque and dental caries, and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B) has become a very important cause of neonatal meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among debilitated individuals despite the widespread use of antibiotics, and it is an important cause of otitis media in infants. No effective vaccines exist for streptococcal diseases, with the possible exception of the pneumococcal capsule vaccine.