Capsular polysaccharide types of group B streptococcal isolates from neonates with early-onset systemic infection.
The distribution of serotypes of group B streptococci (GBS) isolated from 67 infants with early-onset sepsis are described. Case-infants were assembled from 13 hospitals across the United States from 15 July 1995 to 5 February 1997 through prospective active surveillance. The distribution of GBS serotypes was Ia, 40%; Ib, 9%; II, 6%; III, 27%; V, 15%; and nontypeable, 3%. Type V occurred more frequently in the northeast region (New York and New Jersey) than in other regions (29% vs. 9%, P = .06). Conversely, type III occurred significantly less frequently in the northeast region than other regions (10% vs. 35%, P = .04). GBS types Ia, III, and V accounted for 82% of the isolates. This report supports previous observations about the emergence of GBS type V, but our data caution that conclusions about serotype distributions based on one geographic location or on a small number of patients may not be generally applicable. Continued monitoring seems necessary for the design of a GBS vaccine.
Lin
F Y
FY
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Clemens
J D
JD
Azimi
P H
PH
Regan
J A
JA
Weisman
L E
LE
Philips
J B
JB
Rhoads
G G
GG
Clark
P
P
Brenner
R A
RA
Ferrieri
P
P
D016667:Bacterial Capsules / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology*; D012703:Serotyping; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology