[Application of PCR-fingerprinting reactions for typing group B Streptococci using ERIC-1 and ERIC-2]

Usefulness of PCR--fingerprinting technic using ERIC 1 and ERIC 2 primers for epidemiologic analysis of Group B Streptococci was assessed. 120 strains isolated from various clinical samples were tested. Amplification reactions were carried out in automatic termocycler Poly Gen using two primers ERIC 1 and ERIC 2. Products of the amplification were subjected to horizontal electrophoresis in 1.5% agarose gel. Using primer ERIC 1 six DNA patterns were found. Patterns B and C were the most often encountered, containing 34.2% and 35.0% of strains. Less often pattern D occurred including 12.5% of strains. In case of primer ERIC 2 lower differentiation has been achieved, because only four DNA patterns has been found, three of them occurred with similar frequency 29.2% to 33.3%. Taking into consideration the patterns gained by means of two primers thirteen genotypes have been identified. Dominated two patterns CD and BC, comprising 30.0% and 24.1% Group B Streptococci. More rarely DA and BA occurred (10.8% and 8.3%). Remaining patterns make 0.8% to 6.7% strains. Among reference Group B Streptococci strains belonging to nine serologic types using two primers various genetic patterns were obtained.