Serotype distribution of invasive group B streptococcal isolates in infants: results from a nationwide active laboratory surveillance study over 2 years in Germany.
We report the serotype distribution of invasive group B streptococci (GBS) isolated from 296 infants in Germany. Serotype distribution was as follows: serotype Ia, 15%; Ib, 5%; II, 5%; III, 65%; IV, 1%; and V, 8%. Analysis of serotype according to the source of isolation highlighted the considerable role of serotype III in meningitis in early-onset infection (82%) and late-onset infection (84%). Use of a trivalent GBS vaccine in Germany could theoretically provide protection against 84% and 94% of invasive early-onset and late-onset infections, respectively.
Fluegge
Kirsten
K
Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
Supper
Sven
S
Siedler
Anette
A
Berner
Reinhard
R
D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008581:Meningitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D012703:Serotyping; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*