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Nontypable group B streptococci isolated from human sources
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Researchers investigated if nontypable group B streptococci have hidden type antigens. Limited reactivity was observed, indicating current antisera are insufficient for reliable group B streptococcal typing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Group B streptococci (GBS) are significant human pathogens.
- Nontypable (NT) GBS strains lack established serotype antigens.
- Unrecognized antigens in NT GBS could impact diagnostics and epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of novel type antigens in human-derived nontypable (NT) group B streptococci.
- To assess the potential of NT GBS strains to expand the existing GBS serotyping system.
Main Methods:
- Antisera were generated in rabbits against selected NT GBS strains.
- These antisera were subsequently tested against hydrochloric acid extracts from 53 NT GBS isolates.
- Serological reactions were analyzed to identify specific antigen-antibody interactions.
Main Results:
- One generated antiserum demonstrated strain-specific reactivity.
- Another antiserum contained only R-protein antibodies, showing non-specific reactions.
- A third antiserum (NT1) exhibited apparent type specificity but reacted with only five of the tested NT strains.
Conclusions:
- The tested antisera, including NT1, did not identify broadly reactive or novel type-specific antigens in the majority of NT GBS strains.
- Current serological tools are insufficient for reliable typing of NT GBS.
- Further research is needed to characterize potential antigens in NT GBS.