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Serotype variation in Streptococcus anginosus, S. constellatus and S. intermedius
M Inoue1, H Eifuku-Koreeda, K Kitada
1Department of Preventive Dentistry, Kagoshima University Dental School, Japan.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|January 8, 1999
Summary
The Streptococcus milleri group has 18 distinct serotypes, with only two previously identified types being identical. This clarifies the serological classification of these medically important bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Immunology
Background:
- The Streptococcus milleri group comprises several species, including Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, and Streptococcus intermedius.
- Accurate serological classification is crucial for understanding the epidemiology and pathogenicity of these bacteria.
- Previous serotyping systems for the Streptococcus milleri group lacked standardization, leading to confusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare and reconcile existing serotyping systems for the Streptococcus milleri group.
- To establish a clearer and more accurate serological classification for these bacteria.
- To investigate the distribution of serotypes among different species within the group.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of three serotyping systems: Ottens I-IV, Osano I-IV, and serotypes a-k.
- Utilized capillary precipitation tests and double immunodiffusion assays for serological comparisons.
- Tested 248 strains of the Streptococcus milleri group.
Main Results:
- Identified 18 distinct serotypes within the Streptococcus milleri group, with only two previously designated types (f and Ottens-III) being identical.
- Found 17 independent serotypes, indicating significant divergence among existing classifications.
- Determined the association of specific serotypes with bacterial species: Ottens I-IV and Osano IV antigens (often with Lancefield group F) in S. anginosus and S. constellatus; serotypes a, c, d, e, k (with groups A, C, or G) in S. anginosus; serotype b in S. constellatus; and serotypes g, h, i, j, Osano I-III in S. intermedius.
- 197 out of 248 strains were serotypable, with 23 strains exhibiting dual type antigens.
Conclusions:
- The study establishes a more defined serological landscape for the Streptococcus milleri group, resolving ambiguities from previous systems.
- The findings provide a foundation for improved diagnostic and epidemiological studies involving these bacteria.
- Clarified serotype distribution aids in differentiating species within the Streptococcus milleri group.