New Research Aims to Eliminate Streptococcus Infections

Professor Howard Jenkinson in the Department of Oral & Dental Science (Dental School) of University of Bristol, UK, has been awarded a grant of £285,000 ($574,000) from The Wellcome Trust for research into ways of combating diseases caused by Streptococcus bacteria.

Familiar to those who suffer from 'strep' throat, Streptococci are the most common bacteria in the human mouth and throat. They are linked to a number of health problems ranging from tooth and gum disease to meningitis, pneumonia, endocarditis (inflammation of the inner layer of the heart) and necrotizing fasciitis ('flesh-eating disease'). A potent bacteria, Streptococci are becoming increasingly resistant to treatment by antibiotics. The rate of severe invasive Streptococci infections is about 60 per 100,000.

The infection begins when the bacteria first attach themselves to the body's tissues. By looking at how this occurs, Professor Jenkinson and his team would be able to develop ways to neutralize the bacteria. To prevent the spread of this bacteria, one primary method is to reduce the rate at which Streptococci are transferred between humans. This could be achieved by developing user-friendly vaccines or natural biological products, which can be taken by mouth. This approach lessens antibiotic usage and would significantly decrease infection rates among those most susceptible such as children and expectant mothers.

Says Professor Jenkinson, "Streptococci are amongst the most commonly encountered in infections, and for the most part we depend totally on antibiotics to fight them. Our research will help develop new infection-control methods that do not rely on conventional antibiotics, and will also help identify people who are at higher risk of infection."

The research will look at the interaction between a protein called AgI/II, which is found on the surface of Streptococcus bacteria, and a protein called gp340, which is found on teeth, in saliva and in airways. The team will measure how 'sticky' Streptococcus bacteria proteins are as they attach to gp340 on tissue surfaces. By identifying the sticky parts of this protein, the team can locate which areas are responsible for streptococci invading. The research will look into new ways to prevent bacterial infection.