First Evidence of Streptococcus pyogenes M1UK Clone in Pediatric Invasive Infections in Italy by Molecular Surveillance.

Invasive group A streptococci infections are increasing worldwide, mainly due to the emm1 lineage M1UK emergence. Although this variant has recently been described in adult Italian patients, its circulation in children has not yet been established. Characterizing by whole genome sequencing 6 invasive group A streptococci strains isolated between 2022 and 2023, we highlighted M1UK lineage circulation in pediatric patients in Italy.