[A rapid test procedure for the detection of B streptococci in the perinatal period].
At the Hospital of the Department of Gynaecology of the University of Heidelberg, a latex agglutination test (Strep B Patho Dx Test) was applied after extraction of antigens from amniotic fluid and gastric aspirate, parallel to the routine screening programme (vaginal and anal swabs) for maternal colonization with B streptococci. The latex agglutination test was applied in 1336 cases. Maternal vaginal colonization was detected in 14%, anal colonization in 17% of the cases. A comparison of the results obtained with the latex agglutination test and with conventional bacteriological procedures (no gradual bacteriology, incubation 48 hours) showed antigen identification in amniotic fluid in 54%, respectively 24%. In gastric aspirates a B streptococcal contamination was detected by bacteriology in 40% of cases, by the rapid latex agglutination test in 22%. If no streptococci were found in the mother, amniotic fluid or gastric aspirates were contaminated in 4% or 6%, respectively (agglutination test or bacteriology, respectively). With a sensitivity of approximately 50% and a specificity of 98%, the latex agglutination test proved superior to routine bacteriology. All clinically contaminated newborn (positive blood specimens) were clearly identified by this test. With this new latex agglutination test, a procedure is now available to detect B streptococcal contamination in newborns within less than half an hour, thus an intra- or postpartal antibiotic therapy can be applied early.
Univ.-Frauenklinik Heidelberg.
E M
EM
Grischke
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M
Kaufmann
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Rabe
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Hingst
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Linderkamp
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Bastert
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000382:microbiology; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests / Q000379:methods*; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology
Schnelltestverfahren zum Nachweis von B-Streptokokken in der Perinatalperiode.