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Hyaluronidase production, lactose and salicin fermentation and phage-typability in bovine group B Streptococci
Abstract:
Hyaluronidase, also called the spreading factor, may be an important pathogenic factor for the streptococci. Production of hyaluronidase is found in 75% of human clinical isolates of group B streptococci, and we have in our investigation found the same frequency (74%) in 195 bovine isolates. Of the same 195 isolates 17% turned out to be lactose negative, a characteristic usually regarded as being typical of group B streptococci of human origin. These same strains were also mostly hyaluronidase positive. The parameters investigated: hyaluronidase production, lactose and salicin fermentation and phage-typability, can be useful in tracing the origin of the group B. However, bovine and human streptococcal populations do not seem to be completely distinguishable because overlapping exists between the characteristics.
Insights
Group B streptococci hyaluronidase production is common in both human and bovine isolates. While some characteristics overlap, hyaluronidase and fermentation patterns may help trace streptococcal origins.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pathogen Analysis
Background:
- Hyaluronidase, known as the spreading factor, is a potential pathogenic factor in streptococci.
- Group B streptococci (GBS) are significant pathogens in both humans and animals.
- Understanding GBS characteristics is crucial for epidemiological tracking and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hyaluronidase production in bovine Group B streptococci isolates.
- To compare phenotypic characteristics of bovine GBS with those typically associated with human GBS.
- To assess the utility of specific traits in differentiating the origin of GBS strains.
Main Methods:
- Phenotypic characterization of 195 bovine Group B streptococci isolates.
- Assay of hyaluronidase production.
- Testing of lactose and salicin fermentation.
- Phage-typing analysis.
Main Results:
- Hyaluronidase production was detected in 74% of bovine GBS isolates, similar to human isolates (75%).
- 17% of bovine isolates were lactose-negative, a trait usually linked to human GBS.
- Lactose-negative bovine strains were predominantly hyaluronidase-positive.
- Overlapping characteristics were observed between bovine and human GBS populations.
Conclusions:
- Hyaluronidase production is a common trait in both human and bovine Group B streptococci.
- Lactose fermentation and hyaluronidase production are potentially useful, but not definitive, markers for tracing GBS origins.
- Complete distinction between bovine and human GBS populations is not achievable due to overlapping characteristics.