Seroprevalence of Opsonophagocytic Antibodies against Serotype Ia, Ib, II, III, and V Group B Streptococcus among Korean Population.
10.3346/jkms.2018.33.e127
- Author:
Ji Hyen LEE
1
;
Han Wool KIM
;
Kyung Hyo KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kaykim@ewha.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Streptococcus agalactiae;
Serotype;
Antibodies;
Prevalence;
Population
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Alabama;
Antibodies*;
Epidemiological Monitoring;
Homicide;
Humans;
Infant;
Prevalence;
Seroepidemiologic Studies*;
Serogroup*;
Streptococcus agalactiae;
Streptococcus*
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2018;33(16):e127-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Invasive Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS) infection most commonly occurs in infants; however, cases of GBS infection in adults, particularly in the elderly with significant underlying diseases, are being increasingly reported. We analyzed the serotype specific opsonophagocytic antibodies (the major mechanism of protection against GBS) in infants, adults, and the elderly. METHODS: The opsonization indices (OIs) of antibodies against serotype Ia, Ib, II, III, and V GBS were studied in 89 infants, 35 adults (age, 30–50 years), and 62 elderly individuals (age, 65–85 years) according to the University of Alabama at Birmingham GBS opsonophagocytic killing assay protocol (www.vaccine.uab.edu). RESULTS: In infants, adults, and elderly groups respectively, geometric mean of OI against GBS serotype Ia were 3, 7, and 32; against GBS serotype Ib were 7, 242, and 252; against serotype II were 93, 363, and 676; against serotype III were 8, 212, and 609; and against serotype V were 4, 639, and 610. The seropositive rate (% of subjects with OI ≥ 4) increased significantly in older age group for all five serotypes. CONCLUSION: During infancy, only a limited proportion of infants have functional immunity against serotype Ia, Ib, II, III, and V GBS. Furthermore, a lack of opsonic activities against GBS observed in some adults and the elderly might predispose such individuals to the risk of invasive GBS infection. Epidemiological monitoring and development of suitable vaccine for these populations are needed.
