Cloning of a Chromosomal Region Responsible for Streptolysin S Production in Streptococcus pyogenes

S. pyogenes can cause a wide range of diseases in humans, including necrotizing fasciitis, possibly associated with cytolytic toxins. Virulence factors of group A streptococci (GAS) include several cell associated and secreted products such as the hyaluronic acid capsule8, the helical M protein, streptokinase and five streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins, speA-E7. GAS typically elaborate two hemolysins, streptolysin O (SLO) and streptolysin S (SLS).