title: Epidemiology of group B streptococci in an Israeli hospital.
abstract: A technique for the rapid identification and quantification of Group B streptococci (GBS) utilizing timed coagglutination and selective broth media was designed. A prospective study of 283 mothers and 121 newborns based on this methodology revealed a GBS colonization rate of 5.3 and 4.1%, respectively. A retrospective study of 19,875 births revealed a GBS attack rate of 0.2 per 1,000 live births. Both the low colonization and the low attack rates confirm previous anecdotal reports of a low incidence of GBS colonization and disease in Israel. The technique described herein can aid in identifying those infants at risk for invasive disease.
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003470:Culture Media; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000151:congenital / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media