The invention relates to the identification of a new adhesin islands
within the genomes of several Group A and Group B Streptococcus serotypes
and isolates. The adhesin islands are thought to encode surface proteins
which are important in the bacteria's virulence. Thus, the adhesin island
proteins of the invention may be used in immunogenic compositions for
prophylactic or therapeutic immunization against GAS or GBS infection.
For example, the invention may include an immunogenic composition
comprising one or more of the discovered adhesin island proteins.