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Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae ST283 infection after fish consumption in two sisters, Lao PDR
Manophab Luangraj1, Jasmin Hiestand2, Othila Rasphone3
1Lao-Oxford-Mahosot hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology department, Mahosot hospital, Vientiane, 0100, Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Wellcome Open Research
|December 6, 2022
Summary
Foodborne transmission of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) ST283 is linked to invasive infections in humans, particularly from raw fish consumption. This under-recognized pathway highlights a significant public health concern in Southeast Asia.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Food Safety and Public Health
Background:
- Streptococcus agalactiae, or Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a common bacterium found in humans.
- GBS can cause severe infections in newborns, pregnant women, and adults, with foodborne outbreaks also documented.
Observation:
- Two sisters in Laos presented with simultaneous fever and myalgia.
- Both sisters were diagnosed with invasive GBS ST283 infection.
- Infection onset was temporally associated with the consumption of raw fish.
Findings:
- The study confirms invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) ST283 infection in two patients.
- Blood cultures confirmed the presence of GBS ST283.
- Both patients recovered within 48 hours after receiving intravenous antibiotics.
Implications:
- Foodborne transmission of Streptococcus agalactiae represents an under-recognized cause of severe human illness.
- This highlights a potential public health risk associated with raw fish consumption in Southeast Asia and globally.
- Further research is needed to understand and mitigate the risks of foodborne GBS infections.
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