Molecular Evolution of Clinical Pathogenic Streptococci

The genus Streptococcus comprises a wide variety of pathogenic and commensal gram-positive bacteria, many of which the pathogenic species cause severe, invasive infections that account for a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Here, we reviewed the evolution of representative virulence factors, capsule in Streptococcus pneumoniae, M protein in Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), biofilm in Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) and some oral Streptococcus, as well as the effect caused by evolution, antibiotic resistance and vaccine escape. Thanks to the rapid development of whole genome sequence (WGS) data, the impact of genetic recombination to the Streptococcus evolution has been proved. As to adaptive evolution caused by antibiotics, vaccine and so on, continuous surveillance is an essential to monitor evolution of Streptococcus causing disease. This knowledge is invaluable to the development of preventative and control strategies against this important pathogen.