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Capsular polysaccharide types of group B streptococcal isolates from neonates with early-onset systemic infection
F Y Lin1, J D Clemens, P H Azimi
1National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Insights
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) serotypes Ia, III, and V are most common in early-onset sepsis. Regional variations in GBS type distribution, particularly type V and III, highlight the need for ongoing surveillance for vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of early-onset sepsis in infants.
- Understanding GBS serotype distribution is crucial for developing effective vaccines and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the distribution of GBS serotypes in infants with early-onset sepsis.
- To identify potential geographic variations in GBS serotype prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Prospective active surveillance was conducted across 13 US hospitals from July 1995 to February 1997.
- GBS isolates from 67 infants with early-onset sepsis were serotyped.
Main Results:
- The most common GBS serotypes were Ia (40%), III (27%), and V (15%).
- Type V GBS was more frequent in the Northeast region (29% vs. 9%, P = .06).
- Type III GBS was less frequent in the Northeast region (10% vs. 35%, P = .04).
Conclusions:
- GBS types Ia, III, and V collectively accounted for 82% of isolates.
- The emergence of GBS type V is supported, but regional differences necessitate caution against generalizing findings.
- Continued GBS serotype surveillance is essential for informing vaccine design.
Abstract:
The distribution of serotypes of group B streptococci (GBS) isolated from 67 infants with early-onset sepsis are described. Case-infants were assembled from 13 hospitals across the United States from 15 July 1995 to 5 February 1997 through prospective active surveillance. The distribution of GBS serotypes was Ia, 40%; Ib, 9%; II, 6%; III, 27%; V, 15%; and nontypeable, 3%. Type V occurred more frequently in the northeast region (New York and New Jersey) than in other regions (29% vs. 9%, P = .06). Conversely, type III occurred significantly less frequently in the northeast region than other regions (10% vs. 35%, P = .04). GBS types Ia, III, and V accounted for 82% of the isolates. This report supports previous observations about the emergence of GBS type V, but our data caution that conclusions about serotype distributions based on one geographic location or on a small number of patients may not be generally applicable. Continued monitoring seems necessary for the design of a GBS vaccine.