Determination of emm type for Streptococcus pyogenes by PCR

The determination of emm type for Streptococcus pyogenes by PCR.

Pure culture, presumptively identified as S. pyogenes, isolated from a normally sterile site (blood, CSF, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, peritoneal fluid, deep tissue specimen or biopsy taken during surgery, bone or joint fluid) or any site (even if non-sterile) in a case of toxic shock syndrome or necrotizing fasciitis. Exclude middle ear and superficial wound aspirates.

Isolate provided on culture medium.

Send as growth on culture medium (preferred) or on a swab in transport medium. Chocolate or charcoal media are recommended. Cultures can be also shipped frozen on dry ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Invasive disease due to Streptococcus pyogenes.

Completed Culture Submission Requisition for Streptococcus form including sender lab name, address and telephone number. Patient identifier, clinical history, date of birth and sex, culture reference number, source, date collected and test requested.

Non-invasive isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes that are related to outbreak investigations may be submitted.

Based on the following references and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS).

30 calendar days. Outbreak associated or urgent isolates will be granted priority status and completed as soon as possible. *Turn around times may not be guaranteed when isolates are submitted in large batches.

1. Beall, Bernard, Gherardi, G., Lovgren, M., Facklam R.R., Forwick B.A. and Tyrrell, G.J. emm and sof gene sequence variation in relation to serological typing of opacity-factor-positive group A streptococci. Microbiology 2000;146:1195-1209.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Streptococcus Laboratory. Streptococcus Laboratory Protocols. Available at http://www.cdc.gov./ncidod/biotech/strep/protocols.htm