Vaginal co-colonization with multiple Group B Streptococcus serotypes

Vaccine. 2019 Jan 14;37(3):409-411. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.001. Epub 2018 Dec 8.

Abstract

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a neonatal pathogen frequently transmitted from maternal asymptomatic vagino-rectal colonization. Co-colonization with multiple GBS serotypes, which has implications for type-specific vaccination strategies, is difficult to detect with standard microbiologic techniques. We designed a nested real-time PCR assay to detect vaginal co-colonization in samples from a cohort of non-pregnant women (N = 433). 6/91 (6.6%) GBS-positive samples harbored ≥2 GBS serotypes, with over-representation of serotype V among co-colonized samples. Serotype IV GBS was more prevalent (>10%) in this cohort than in previously reported United States studies. Ongoing surveillance of GBS serotype epidemiology and co-colonization is indicated.

Keywords: Co-colonization; Serotype; Streptococcus agalactiae; Vaginal colonization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Carrier State / diagnosis*
  • Carrier State / microbiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / microbiology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Prevalence
  • Serogroup
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / classification*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / physiology*
  • Vagina / microbiology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial