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Clonal relationship between U.S. and French serotype V group B streptococcus isolates.
I Le Thomas-Bories1, F Fitoussi, P Mariani-Kurkdjian
1Service de Microbiologie, Hôpital Robert Debré, 75019 Paris, France.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|November 29, 2001
Summary
Genetic analysis of French group B streptococcus (GBS) revealed significant diversity. However, a dominant serotype V clone in Paris closely matched the prevalent American GBS clone.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal infections.
- Serotype V GBS has emerged as a significant clone, particularly in the United States.
- Understanding the genetic relatedness of GBS isolates is crucial for public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic diversity of serotype V GBS isolates in the Paris region.
- To compare these French isolates with the predominant serotype V GBS clone found in America.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was employed to analyze the genetic profiles of GBS isolates.
- Sixty-four French GBS isolates from the Paris area were subjected to PFGE analysis.
- The resulting genetic patterns were compared to known patterns of the predominant American serotype V clone.
Main Results:
- PFGE analysis identified 11 distinct genetic patterns among the 64 French GBS isolates.
- A single genetic pattern was observed in 60% of the tested French isolates.
- This predominant French GBS pattern was indistinguishable from the predominant American serotype V clone.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of serotype V GBS isolates in Paris share the same genetic fingerprint as the predominant American clone.
- This finding suggests potential clonal spread or common ancestry of this GBS strain across geographical regions.
- Further surveillance is warranted to monitor the prevalence and impact of this specific GBS clone in France.