Adherence of group B streptococci to buccal epithelial cells in neonates with different gestational ages.
Adherence of group B streptococci to buccal epithelial cells was determined in 81 neonates with different gestational ages. There was a significant curvilinear increase in adherence in premature neonates with decreasing gestational ages. Amniotic fluid did not inhibit attachment of group B streptococci to epithelial cells. Increased adherence of group B streptococci to premature neonates may explain, in part, the increased susceptibility of these infants to disease from this organism.
Cox
F
F
Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.
Taylor
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D002610:Cheek / Q000382:microbiology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000382:microbiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification*