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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
[New trends in research on group B streptococci (GBS) infections and sexual transmitted diseases]
1Division of Anaerobe Research, Life Science Research Center, Gifu University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gifu University Hospital.
Abstract:
The adherence to and invasion of A549 cells by serotype VIII GBS (group B streptococci) were significantly greater than those of serotype III GBS for both the invasive strain and vaginal isolates. Serotype III strains of GBS stimulated significantly greater tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) production than did serotype VIII strains. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) production in response to serotype VIII was significantly higher than in response to serotype III. On sexual transmitted diseases, orogenital contact has been common in both commercial sex workers (CSWs) and non-CSWs in Japanese women. Therefore, chlamydial infections in pharynx have been increasing in recent days. However, the treatment against Chlamydia trachomatis in the cases of pharyngeal infections should be longer than in the cases of uterine cervical infections.
Insights
Serotype VIII group B streptococci (GBS) show greater adherence and invasion than serotype III GBS. Serotype III GBS induce higher levels of TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-12, while serotype VIII GBS elicit more IL-4 and IL-8.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) serotypes exhibit distinct interactions with host cells.
- Immune responses vary significantly between different GBS serotypes, impacting disease pathogenesis.
- Chlamydia trachomatis pharyngeal infections are increasing due to orogenital contact.
Purpose:
- To compare the adherence and invasion capabilities of GBS serotype VIII and serotype III in A549 cells.
- To analyze the differential production of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-12, IL-4, IL-8) in response to GBS serotypes VIII and III.
- To highlight the need for adjusted treatment durations for pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis infections.
Summary:
- Serotype VIII GBS demonstrated significantly greater adherence and invasion of A549 cells compared to serotype III GBS.
- Serotype III GBS induced higher production of TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-12.
- Serotype VIII GBS elicited significantly higher IL-4 and IL-8 production.
Impact:
- Understanding serotype-specific GBS virulence factors can inform prevention and treatment strategies.
- Differential cytokine profiles suggest distinct immune evasion or inflammatory mechanisms employed by GBS serotypes.
- Prolonged treatment may be necessary for pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis infections compared to cervical infections.
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