Serotypes and Biochemical Reaction Patterns of Group B Streptococci.
- Author:
Young UH
1
;
In Ho JANG
;
Gyu Yel HWANG
;
Kap Jun YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Clinical Pathology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Group B streptococci (GBS);
Serotype;
Hemolysis;
Hippurate hydrolysis;
New Granada medium;
Pigment production;
CAMP reaction
- MeSH:
Agar;
Cervix Uteri;
Female;
Genitalia;
Hemolysis;
Humans;
Hydrolysis;
Serotyping;
Sheep;
Strikes, Employee;
Wounds and Injuries
- From:Korean Journal of Clinical Pathology
1998;18(3):386-390
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: This study is designed to provide data on the trend of serotypes of group B streptococci (GBS) isolated from clinical specimens during recent eight years and to elucidate the relationship between biochemical reactions and serotypes of GBS. METHODS: Serotyping, pigment production test, CAMP test, hippurate hydrolysis, and hemolysis test were performed for 150 GBS isolates from clinical specimens during March 1990 to February 1998. The typing sera used were Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, and V. Pigment production was detected by new Granada tube medium. The CAMP test and hippurate hydrolysis were performed by standard technique. Hemolytic patterns of GBS were determined on sheep blood agar and human blood agar plate. RESULTS: GBS were frequently isolated from cervix, urine, wound (pus), and blood. Striking increase of GBS isolates were notified from 1996 to 1997 period. Identification rates of GBS serotypes were Ib (38.0%), III (37.3%), Ia (9.3%), V (8.7%), nontypable strains (4.0%), and II (2.7%) in decreasing order. The proportion of serotype III increased markedly from 1996. Serotype V was not isolated until 1996, and ranked third in 1997. Seven (4.7%) isolates were nonhemolytic, and six of seven isolates revealed serotype III. Two (1.3%) isolates that were negative in both CAMP test and hippurate hydrolysis were serotype II. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical microbiology laboratories relying on beta hemolysis or pigment production for initial detection of GBS may underestimate the isolation rate of GBS and the proportion of serotype III which hardly makes hemolysis. It is therefore recommended that laboratories providing cultures for the GBS of genitalia specimens supplement other detection methods such as CAMP test or immunologic methods.
