Gajic, I. (55428924700)I. (55428924700)GajicMijac, V. (6507998440)V. (6507998440)MijacStanojevic, M. (57828665700)M. (57828665700)StanojevicRanin, L. (6602522806)L. (6602522806)RaninSmitran, A. (55865631000)A. (55865631000)SmitranOpavski, N. (6507364674)N. (6507364674)Opavski2025-06-122025-06-122014https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84941099925&partnerID=40&md5=ff2724a3745e7ea06129a628a2a2424ehttps://remedy.med.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/8508OBJECTIVE: Several studies of group A streptococci (GAS) have revealed that a small number of dominant resistant clones might be responsible for the spread of Streptococcus (S.) pyogenes resistance to macrolides. We aimed to determine the genetic diversity of macrolide resistant group A streptococci (MRGAS), isolated from patients with pharyngitis in Serbia.; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clonal relationships among 76 MRGAS isolates collected during 2008 were studied using two molecular typing methods: emm typing and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Isolates that share the same emm type and RAPD pattern were considered to belong to the same clone.; RESULTS: Out of 7 distinct emm types identified, the 3 most frequently occurring overall were emm12, emm75 and emm77 (> 90% of isolates). Although as many as 26 different RAPD patterns were found among the isolates studied, two clones with emm12 and emm77 accounted 32 out of 76 (42%) isolates.; CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate a polyclonal spread of erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes in our country. Furthermore, predominance of two clones, particularly among emm12 and emm77 strains indicates that erythromycin-resistant GAS of the same clonal origin are widely distributed in Serbia.