A rapid commercial agglutination test (Bactigen Strepto B) for detection of group B streptococci in gastric aspirates of neonates was evaluated. One hundred and sixty-one gastric samples were analyzed with conventional bacteriological techniques and with the commercial test after modification of the extraction technique. The sensitivity of the test relative to the culture technique was 90.4%, the specificity 94.2%, the positive predictive value 70.3% and the negative predictive value 98.5%. The commercial test could be performed in one hour and showed good sensitivity and specificity. If a test result was negative colonization could be excluded, obviating the need for empirical antibiotic therapy, whereas a positive result suggested colonization or neonatal infection with group B streptococci.