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A comparison of the yield of positive antenatal group B Streptococcus cultures with direct inoculation in selective growth medium versus primary inoculation in transport medium followed by delayed inoculation in selective growth medium.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare the yield of positive group B Streptococcus cultures with standard medium for transport of culture swabs compared with use of selective medium during transport. STUDY DESIGN: Cultures of introitus, perineum, and rectum were obtained on prenatal patients; one was placed in standard transport medium, and the other directly in selective growth medium. Swabs in standard transport medium were plated for routine culture and then transferred to selective growth medium, Todd-Hewitt broth, in the laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 307 of 1222 (25.1%) patients had a positive result by any method. With direct inoculation into selective growth medium at the time of sampling, 4.6% of positive cultures were missed. With delayed inoculation into selective growth medium, 16.3% were missed (p < 0.001). Without use of selective media (routine culture), 31.9% were missed (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Use of standard transport medium with subsequent transfer into selective growth medium results in a significantly decreased yield of positive group B Streptococcus cultures.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Postoperative infection with group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus after blepharoplasty.

PURPOSE: To report a case of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection with signs of early necrotizing fasciitis after cosmetic blepharoplasty in a healthy patient. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A healthy 59-year-old woman underwent outpatient bilateral upper and lower blepharoplasty with midface lifting. Thirty hours postoperatively she developed marked pain and edema of the left eyelids and face, and a violaceous eyelid bulla, which heralded early necrotizing fasciitis. Culture of the serosanguinous exudates from the left eyelid revealed group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus organisms. RESULTS: The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics, intravenous corticosteroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and wound debridement. The infection resolved with mild cicatrization of the left upper eyelid. CONCLUSIONS: Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus is an increasingly recognized cause of infection that occurs after trauma or surgery, even in highly vascularized areas such as the eyelids and face. It is a potentially devastating infection, particularly in vascularly compromised patients, and requires immediate and aggressive treatment.

Blepharoplasty↗

Structural studies of a teichoic acid from Streptococcus agalactiae type III.

An unusual type of teichoic acid has been isolated from Streptococcus agalactiae type III. It has the same backbone as the lipoteichoic acid from Streptococcus faecalis, but is devoid of fatty acid residues, a phosphatidyl group, and substituents in the poly(glycerol phosphate) side-chain. The following structure, with n approximately 20, was determined mainly with the aid of n.m.r. spectroscopy. (Formula: see text)

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

Dextran acceptor reaction of Streptococcus sobrinus glucosyltransferase GTF-I as revealed by using uniformly 13C-labeled sucrose.

A sucrose glucosyltransferase GTF-I from cariogenic Streptococcus sobrinus transferred the uniformly 13C-labeled glucosyl residue ([U-(13)C]Glc) from [U-(13)C]sucrose to exogenous dextran T500 at the non-reducing-end, mostly by alpha-(1-->6) linkages and partially by alpha-(1-->3) linkages, as revealed by the 13C-(13)C NMR coupling pattern. With increasing amounts of [U-(13)C]sucrose, transfer of [U-(13)C]Glc to the alpha-(1-->3)-linked chain became predominant without increase in the number of chains. The transfer of [U-(13)C]Glc to an isomaltopentaose acceptor occurred similarly to its transfer to T500. alpha-(1-->3)-branches in the [U-(13)C]dextran, specifically synthesized from [U-(13)C]sucrose by a Streptococcus bovis dextransucrase, were not formed by GTF-I, as judged by the observation that a newly-formed alpha-1,3,6-branched [U-(13)C]Glc was not detected, which could have been formed by transferring the unlabeled Glc from sucrose to the internal alpha-(1-->6)-linked [U-(13)C]Glc at C-3. The 13C-(13)C one-bond coupling constants (1J) were also recorded for the C-1--C-6 bond of the internal alpha-(1-->6)-linked [U-(13)C]Glc and of the non-reducing-end [U-(13)C]Glc.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Adapting immunity with subunit vaccines: case studies with group A Streptococcus and malaria.

Although vaccines have widely been regarded as the most cost-effective way to improve public health, for some organisms new technological advances in vaccine design and delivery, incurring additional developmental costs, will be essential. These organisms are typically those for which natural immunity is either slow to develop or does not develop at all. Clearly, such organisms have evolved strategies to evade immune responses and innovative approaches will be required to induce a type of immune response which is both different to that which develops naturally and is effective. This article describes some approaches to develop vaccines for two such organisms (malaria parasites and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus)) that are associated with widespread mortality and morbidity, mostly in the poorest countries of the world. At this stage, the challenges are primarily scientific, but if these hurdles are surmounted then the challenges will become financial ones--developing much needed vaccines for people least able to afford them.

Animals↗

Purification and characterization of cAMP-factor from Streptococcus agalactiae by hydrophobic interaction chromatography and chromatofocusing.

CAMP-factor from Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) was purified 60-fold from the culture supernatant to electrophoretic homogeneity in 57% yield. The purification procedure involved ammonium sulphate precipitation, ultrafiltration, hydrophobic interaction chromatography on Octyl-Sepharose and chromatofocusing on polybuffer exchanger PBE 94. The purified CAMP-factor consists of a single polypeptide chain with an apparent molecular weight of 25 kD and an isoelectric point of 8.9. The properties of the CAMP-factor demonstrated by charge-shift electrophoresis were consistent with those of an amphiphilic polypeptide.

Ammonium Sulfate↗

An etiologic shift in infantile osteomyelitis: the emergence of the group B streptococcus.

Twenty-one infants from six to 52 days of age (mean 23.3 days) with osteomyelitis were studied between 1965 and 1977. The etiologic agents were group B streptococcus (8), staphylococcus aureus (6), gramnegative bacilli (4), Streptococcus pneumoniae (1), and unknown (2). Patients with group B streptococcal osteomyelitis were characterized by an uncomplicated neonatal course, single bone involvement with a predilection for involvement of the proximal humerus, and lack of inflammatory signs. In contrast, patients with osteomyelitis due to other organisms frequently had had manipulative procedures predisposing to infection and were more likely to have multiple bone involvement, fever, and leukocytosis at the time of diagnosis. Functional impairment was detected in only one of 17 patients evaluated a mean of 36 months after diagnosis.

Female↗

Glial cells production of inflammatory mediators induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae: inhibition by pentoxifylline, low-molecular-weight heparin and dexamethasone.

Exposure of primary rat glial cells to heat inactivated Streptococcus pneumoniae, induced dose-dependent production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Concomitant addition of the bacterium and the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone resulted in complete suppression of TNF alpha, NO and PGE2 production. Pentoxifylline, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor completely blocked TNF alpha secretion, whereas NO and PGE2 were not affected. Low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin caused 25-64% inhibition in TNF alpha production, up to 30% inhibition of NO secretion and a 10% reduction in PGE2. Thus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pathogen most commonly associated with meningitis in the Western world can be added to the list of agents causing direct stimulation of glial cells. Pentoxifylline and enoxaparin in addition to dexamethasone may limit the central nervous system local inflammatory responses and could improve the effort towards reducing the dismal outcome of patients with pneumococcal meningitis.

Animals↗

Antibiotic susceptibility profile of group B streptococcus acquired vertically.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contemporary antibiotic susceptibility profile of vertically acquired group B streptococcal isolates. METHODS: Susceptibility to ampicillin, penicillin G, erythromycin, clindamycin, cefazolin, and gentamicin was assessed by two methods, minimal inhibitory concentration and disc diffusion. RESULTS: The susceptibility profiles of 119 colonizing and eight invasive strains of group B streptococcus isolated from January 1996 to September 1997 at two hospitals in Birmingham, Alabama-University of Alabama at Birmingham and Cooper Green-were studied. Minimal inhibitory concentration determinations indicated that all colonizing strains were susceptible or moderately susceptible to ampicillin and penicillin G. Resistance was noted by at least one strain to each of the other antibiotics; all were resistant to gentamicin, whereas 27 (21%) were resistant to erythromycin, five (4%) to clindamycin, and one (1%) to cefazolin. All of the eight invasive strains were susceptible or moderately susceptible to ampicillin, penicillin G, clindamycin, and cefazolin; one (13%) was resistant to erythromycin, and all were resistant to gentamicin. Disc diffusion results generally were concordant with minimal inhibitory concentration results, although by disc diffusion fewer isolates were classified as susceptible, and more as moderately susceptible, to ampicillin and penicillin G than by minimal inhibitory concentration. CONCLUSION: Universal susceptibility of group B streptococcus to members of the penicillin family supports the continued use of penicillin G or ampicillin for early onset neonatal group B streptococcal disease prevention. For patients allergic to beta-lactam agents, clindamycin (4% resistance) may be a better alternative than erythromycin (21% resistance).

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Species identification of Streptococcus porcinus by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA.

Streptococcus porcinus reference strains and routine isolates belonging to Lancefield's serogroup E, P, U and V and to various serotypes of serogroup E were examined for their 16S ribosomal DNA fingerprint pattern. Oligonucleotide primers complementary to 16S rRNA genes were used to amplify gene fragments by polymerase chain reaction from genomic DNA. The amplified 1450 bp fragment was subsequently digested with the restriction enzyme BpiI resulting in two fragments with a size of approximately 1250 bp and 200 bp. All 45 S porcinus investigated in the present study could be identified on the basis of this characteristic 16S rDNA fingerprint pattern and clearly differentiated from 16 control strains of various species and serogroups of genus Streptococcus. The present results demonstrate the potential application of 16S rDNA analysis for identification of S porcinus, a species which might express various group- and type-specific antigens.

Animals↗

Invasive group A streptococcus infection of the scrotum and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

We report a case of invasive group A streptococcus infection of the scrotum that presented as epididymoorchitis and rapidly progressed to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The presentation, pathophysiology, and management of invasive group A streptococcus and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are reviewed. Rapid recognition is necessary to avoid the significant morbidity and mortality associated with these invasive infections.

Adolescent↗

The development by the Centers for Disease Control of a specification for streptococcal serogrouping kits and its application to Streptex and to the Phadebact Streptococcus Test.

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) specification for evaluating commercially produced streptococcal agglutination reagents was developed and used to test Streptex and Phadebact Streptococcus Test kits. Evaluation methods and performance requirements were based on product claims made in the package labelling. Except for the reagent for Streptococcus group D, reagents of both systems identified 100% of the blind-coded reference strains when follow-up methods were done according to the manufacturers' directions. Streptex group D reagent did not identify all group D strains, but the manufacturer instructed the user to test with other methods in certain circumstances. The interaction of personnel of the Center for Infectious Diseases (CID), CDC, with commercial producers and consumers in a pre-market evaluation program is described.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.↗

The ICESt1 element of Streptococcus thermophilus belongs to a large family of integrative and conjugative elements that exchange modules and change their specificity of integration.

The 34,734-bp element ICESt1 from Streptococcus thermophilus CNRZ368 is site-specifically integrated into the 3(') end of the gene fda. ICESt1 encodes integrative functions and putative transfer functions. Six proteins of the putative conjugative system of ICESt1 are related to those encoded by the conjugative transposon Tn916 from Enterococcus faecalis. A comparison of these proteins with those encoded by the complete or partial genome sequences of various low G+C bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium difficile, E. faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans revealed the presence of numerous putative site-specific integrative conjugative elements and/or conjugative transposons within these genomes. Sequence comparisons revealed that these elements possess a modular structure and that exchanges of unrelated or distantly related modules and genes have occurred between these elements, and also plasmids and prophages. These exchanges have probably led to modifications in the site specificity of integration of these elements. Therefore, a distinction between low specificity integrative conjugative elements (i.e., conjugative transposons) and site-specific integrative conjugative elements does not appear to be relevant. We propose to call all the conjugative elements that excise by site-specific recombination and integrate by recombination between a specific site of a circular intermediate and another site, "Integrative and Conjugative Elements" (ICEs), irrespective of the integration specificity.

Base Composition↗

Bilateral cavernous sinus thromboses and intraorbital abscesses secondary to Streptococcus milleri.

PURPOSE: To report the first case of bilateral cavernous sinus thromboses and bilateral intraorbital abscesses secondary to Streptococcus milleri. STUDY DESIGN: Single interventional case report. INTERVENTION AND TESTING: The findings of the ophthalmic evaluation, radiographic imaging, medical and surgical intervention, specimen cultures, and clinical course were analyzed. RESULTS: A 17-year-old female had bilateral proptosis, decreased vision in the left eye, and altered mental status at presentation. An orbital compartment syndrome developed in the left eye and purulent material was present after lateral canthotomy, suggestive of an intraorbital abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed bilateral cavernous sinus thromboses, and subsequent computed tomographic (CT) scans revealed bilateral intraorbital abscesses in the setting of acute ethmoid and sphenoid sinusitis. Antibiotic treatment and surgical drainage of the orbital abscess and sinuses was performed, and specimen cultures revealed S. milleri. After surgery, the patient experienced hearing loss and a right internal capsule infarct, in addition to complete vision loss in the left eye. A second intraorbital abscess developed in the right eye and was drained surgically. The vision remained 20/20. CONCLUSIONS: Streptococcus milleri is a virulent organism with a propensity to form abscesses in multiple areas of the body and should be considered as a possible etiologic agent in abscess formation of the orbit and cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Abscess↗

Streptococcus B meningitis in post-partum.

We report a case of post-partum meningitis due to group B-streptococcus developing 24 h after vaginal delivery. Diagnosis was established by latex agglutination of streptococcus B-antigenes and confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid-culture later on. Clinical and haematological signs of meningitis disappeared after treatment with ampicillin. In a review of the literature we found eight other cases of streptococcal post-partum meningitis. In all of these cases, delivery was vaginal and no antibioprophylaxis was given.

Adult↗

Determination of asymptomatic carrier rate of beta-haemolytic group B Streptococcus in vaginas of pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Bacteriological studies of 500 vaginal swabs from pregnant women in second and third trimester from 4 government hospitals in Ibadan showed that 8 (1.6 per cent) were found to be culture-positive for Group B Streptococcus. Five (1.0 per cent) were found to harbour group D streptococci. All the 8 group B Streptococcus isolates were sensitive to erythromycin, methicillin, penicillin G, ampicillin and chloramphenicol in decreasing order. They were resistant to tetracycline, sulphafurazole and streptomycin.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Modification of glycosylation by tunicamycin treatment inhibits lectin-mediated adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae to various tissues.

Oligosaccharide moieties of cell surface glycoconjugates are thought to be involved in recognition events associated with infectious diseases. Treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae (which exhibits well defined surface lectins) with subinhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic tunicamycin was found to block the protein glycosylation of the bacterial surfaces. Since bacterial lectins (adhesins) are in most cases glycoproteins and play an important role in the organ specificity of infectious diseases, adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae to frozen sections of lung, meninges and kidney (from Balb/c-mice) was almost totally lacking after inhibition of the biosynthesis of N-linked carbohydrate chains which are important for an adequate lectin function. Chemiluminescence measurements of human granulocyte stimulation yielded results suggesting a great importance of lectin-carbohydrate interactions in this process, too. These experimental data indicate that the presence of specific cell surface carbohydrates is required for a successful completion of the adhesion phase of pathogenic bacteria in infectious diseases and for the induction of granulocyte stimulation.

Animals↗

Investigations on the binding of erythrogenic toxin A of Streptococcus pyogenes on human peripheral blood lymphocytes. I. Light and electron microscopical demonstration of cell surface receptors using colloidal gold-labelled toxin.

Receptors for erythrogenic toxin A (ETA) of Streptococcus pyogenes (strain NY-5) were demonstrated on human peripheral blood lymphocytes by binding of ETA-gold conjugates to the cell surface. The specificity of the binding was proved in control experiments. The dark-red granules observed by light microscopy on unfixed cells were revealed by transmission electron microscopy to be patches of gold particles. By light microscopy on samples from 48 blood donors a mean value of 34 +/- 13% of ETA-receptor bearing lymphocytes was ascertained. The predominant part of the cells exhibited only a weak or moderate labelling. Transmission electron microscopy of prefixed cells revealed an attachment of single gold particles distributed over the whole cell surface. Counts of gold particles on serial sections yielded depending on prefixation values of 50-600 receptors/cell (1% glutaraldehyde) and 1000-7000 receptors/cell (0.26% glutaraldehyde), respectively. ETA cloned in Streptococcus sanguis as well as the toxoid of ETA exhibited a comparable binding as ETA (NY-5).

Bacterial Proteins↗