Experimental study on distribution of serotypes and antimicrobial patterns of group B streptococcus strains

To obtain information on the distribution of serotypes and antimicrobial agent susceptibilities to group B streptococcus (GBS) strains isolated in Beijing area from 1991 to 1996.

Bacterial isolates of GBS were obtained from vaginal and cervical tract of pregnant and nonpregnant women in Beijing Tian Tan Hospital by culture. A total of 76 GBS strains were identified finally by coagglutination. Serotyping was determined by Standard Lancefield method. Susceptibility to test agents was assessed by determining the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) with agar dilution method that was established by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS).

Seven serotypes were identified among 76 GBS strains isolates. Types II (33%), III (23%) and I a (16%) were the predominant serotypes in pregnant and nonpregnant women. MICs of penicillin G and ampicillin were < or = 0.06 microgram/ml. MICs of cephazolin, cefuroxime and cefoperozone were 0.003 microgram/ml-0.06 microgram/ml. MICs of erythromycin were 0.003 microgram/ml-0.03 microgram/ml. MICs of gentamycin were 1 microgram/ml-32 micrograms/ml. MICs of amikacin were 4 micrograms/ml- > or = 64 micrograms/ml, nearly 12.8% and 40.4% of the strains were resistant to gentamycin and amikacin, respectively.

Our study provides useful epidemiologic data for preparation of GBS type-specific vaccines which can prevent GBS infections and antimicrobial agents susceptibility patterns in China. Routine reports on GBS susceptibilities by clinical laboratories and continuous surveillance for changes in the susceptibility are of considerable clinical importance.