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Streptococcus group B isolates in a regional hospital area
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Group B Streptococcus infections are prevalent in the female genital tract in Israel, with specific serotypes identified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing shows resistance to tetracycline but sensitivity to penicillin and other agents.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS), or Streptococcus agalactiae, is a significant human pathogen, particularly in neonates, causing early- and late-onset disease syndromes.
- The genitourinary tract serves as a reservoir for GBS, with maternal transmission to infants during birth being a primary route of infection.
- Previous reports from this laboratory indicated GBS sepsis and meningitis in neonates, necessitating an updated assessment of GBS infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the frequency of Group B Streptococcal infections in the Sharon area of Israel.
- To determine the serotype distribution of GBS isolates.
- To assess the susceptibility of GBS isolates to various antimicrobial agents.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Group B Streptococcus from various clinical samples, including female genital tract, CSF, wounds, throat, blood, and urine.
- Biochemical tests (bacitracin resistance, hippurate hydrolysis) for initial identification.
- Serological classification of isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination.
Main Results:
- GBS was detected in 11.8% of female genital tract samples and 1.6%-7.4% in other infection sites.
- Serotypes Ib, Ic, and II were predominant in vaginal isolates (25%-28% each), while serotype Ib was most frequent (36%) in other sites.
- Isolates were sensitive to penicillin, cloxacillin, cephalothin, and erythromycin, but resistant to tetracycline (69%) and partially to chloramphenicol (17.5%). Synergistic activity was observed with gentamicin and penicillin.
Conclusions:
- Group B Streptococcal infections, particularly in the female genital tract, are a significant concern in the Sharon area.
- The identified serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns highlight the evolving epidemiology of GBS as a human pathogen.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective clinical management and prevention strategies against GBS infections.