Serotype distribution of invasive group B streptococcal isolates in infants: results from a nationwide active laboratory surveillance study over 2 years in Germany

Clin Infect Dis. 2005 Mar 1;40(5):760-3. doi: 10.1086/427942. Epub 2005 Feb 2.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Meningitis / epidemiology
  • Meningitis / microbiology
  • Sepsis / epidemiology
  • Sepsis / microbiology
  • Serotyping
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / classification
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / isolation & purification*