Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
09:11
Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination
Published on: September 25, 2014
Serotype markers in a Streptococcus agalactiae strain collection from Zimbabwe
R T Mavenyengwa1, J A Maeland, S R Moyo
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|October 23, 2010
Summary
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) serotypes and protein variants were characterized in pregnant women in Zimbabwe. Findings reveal distinct GBS profiles in Southern Africa, crucial for developing effective vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) epidemiology is less understood in Southern Africa.
- Characterizing GBS strains is vital for understanding carriage and informing public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the serotype and serovariant distribution of GBS in pregnant women in Zimbabwe.
- To contribute to the epidemiological understanding of GBS carriage in the region.
Main Methods:
- GBS strains were isolated from 121 pregnant women in Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Serotyping utilized gene-based methods (PCR) for capsular polysaccharide (CPS) and surface-anchored proteins, with antibody-based methods for specific proteins (R3, Z).
Main Results:
- Prevalent CPS types included III (38.8%), V (24.0%), and Ia (15.7%).
- Key surface proteins identified were R4/Rib (46.3%), SAR5 (R5, 28.9%), R3 (27.3%), and Z (27.3%).
- A low prevalence of Alp3 (4.9%), particularly in GBS type V strains, was noted, differing from non-African GBS type V findings. Distinct associations between CPS types and protein markers were observed, with 32 serovariants identified.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights significant regional variations in GBS phenotypes and genotypes.
- These findings are critical for regional GBS vaccine development and research planning.
