title: Recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of group B Streptococcus virulence.
abstract: Group B Streptococcus commonly colonises healthy adults without symptoms, yet under certain circumstances displays the ability to invade host tissues, evade immune detection and cause serious invasive disease. Consequently, Group B Streptococcus remains a leading cause of neonatal pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. Here we review recent information on the bacterial factors and mechanisms that direct host-pathogen interactions involved in the pathogenesis of Group B Streptococcus infection. New research on host signalling and inflammatory responses to Group B Streptococcus infection is summarised. An understanding of the complex interplay between Group B Streptococcus and host provides valuable insight into pathogen evolution and highlights molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0687, USA.
authors.forename: Heather C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Maisey
authors.forename: Kelly S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Doran
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nizet
mesh_terms: D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D035843:Biomedical Research; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000382:microbiology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000382:microbiology; D008581:Meningitis / Q000382:microbiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D022541:Streptococcal Vaccines; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014774:Virulence; D037521:Virulence Factors / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D022541:Streptococcal Vaccines; D037521:Virulence Factors