Comparison of a rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test and the Gram stain for detection of group B streptococcus in high-risk antepartum patients.
Early-onset neonatal sepsis with group B streptococci is a major problem in the management of high-risk obstetrics. Intrapartum treatment of the colonized mother reduces neonatal acquisition; however, many high-risk patients are delivered before culture results are available. This study prospectively evaluated a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the Gram stain for their accuracy in rapid detection of group B streptococci in 131 high-risk patients. Twenty positive cultures for group B streptococci were identified in the study population and were used as the control for test comparisons. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test was 60% sensitive, whereas the Gram stain was 45% sensitive. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed an increase in sensitivity as the colony count increased; however, two cases of severe neonatal sepsis occurred in patients with low colony counts and both had enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay negative results. In conclusion, the need for a rapid sensitive test for group B streptococci detection still exists.
Towers
C V
CV
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memorial Womens Hospital of Long Beach, CA.
Garite
T J
TJ
Friedman
W W
WW
Pircon
R A
RA
Nageotte
M P
MP
D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005840:Gentian Violet; D006801:Humans; D010619:Phenazines; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000166:cytology / Q000302:isolation & purification*
C035863:Gram's stain; D010619:Phenazines; D005840:Gentian Violet