Group B Streptococcus Sequence Type 103 as Human and Bovine Pathogen, Brazil.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Veterinary Medicine
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) sequence type 103 (ST103) is recognized as a significant pathogen in bovine mastitis.
• This specific GBS strain has been identified in both cattle and human populations in Brazil since the 1990s.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiology and potential transmission routes of GBS ST103 between cattle and humans in Brazil.
• To characterize the genetic features of GBS ST103 isolates from different hosts.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of GBS ST103 isolates from bovine and human sources in Brazil.
• Genomic characterization, including the absence of the scpB gene, was performed.

Main Results:

• GBS ST103 was found in human carriage isolates, indicating adaptation beyond its primary bovine host.
• The absence of the scpB gene was noted in these isolates.

Conclusions:

• The circulation of GBS ST103 in both cattle and humans suggests interspecies transmission.
• Bovine-to-human transmission may play a role in the evolution and dissemination of this GBS strain.