Cross-reactions of reagents from streptococcal grouping kits with Streptococcus porcinus

Streptococcus porcinus is usually associated with swine. Because we have received several isolates from human sources that had cross-reacted with commercial group B streptococcal reagents, we examined several commercial kits to determine the extent of this cross-reaction. Fifteen reference and 15 clinical strains of S. porcinus were tested for cross-reactions with group B streptococcal reagents from 12 different commercial kits. Cross-reactions were detected with all group B reagents, but the number of cross-reactions varied with each kit. We recommend that manufacturers of reagents designed to identify group B streptococci by serologic methods test their reagents for cross-reactions with selected S. porcinus cultures or antigens.