Adherence of group B streptococci isolated from man and cattle to human and bovine epithelial cells

Proof of adherence of group B streptococci (GBS) to human and bovine vaginal epithelial cells and to bovine cells of milk cisternae of the mammary gland was employed as a criterion determining the possibility of colonization of these organs with GBS, or as another method of testing the transfer of GBS between man and cattle. GBS of both human and animal origin adhered to human epithelial cells in a similar way. On the other hand, a significantly stronger adherence of bovine GBS to vaginal epithelial cells and cells of milk cisternae of cattle was found than of human GBS. Thus the direction of colonization - animal is more probable than the opposite way. Neither in animal nor in human strains a correlation between the equipment of strains with type antigens and intensity of adherence could be found.