scholarly journals Towards a genotyping system for Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus): use of mobile genetic elements in Australasian invasive isolates

2003 ◽  
Vol 52 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanrong Kong ◽  
Diana Martin ◽  
Gregory James ◽  
Gwendolyn L. Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Capsular Polysaccharide ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Mobile Genetic Elements ◽  
Genetic Elements ◽  
Gene Profiles ◽  
Polysaccharide Synthesis ◽  
Genetic Clusters ◽  
Group B

This study forms part of the development of an integrated genotyping system for Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS) that can be used to study the population genetics of the organism and the pathogenesis and epidemiology of GBS disease. In recent previous studies, two sets of markers, the capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) gene cluster and surface protein antigen genes, have been used to assign molecular serotypes (MS) and protein-gene profiles (PGP) to more than 200 isolates. In the present study, five mobile genetic elements (MGE) have been used as a third set of markers, to characterize further 194 invasive isolates, recovered from blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Of these, 97 % contained one or more of the five MGE, the distribution of which was related to MS and PGP, as illustrated by MS III, which is divisible into four serosubtypes with different combinations of the MGE (or none). Fifty-six different genotypes and eight genetic clusters were identified, each with different combinations of the three sets of molecular markers. Five predominant genotypes (Ia-1, Ib-1, III-1, III-2 and V-1) contained 62 % of the isolates and five of the eight genetic clusters contained 92 % of the isolates. The 17 CSF isolates were relatively widely distributed between 10 genotypes and across seven of the eight clusters. Further study is needed to determine whether these genotypes or clusters share common markers of increased virulence. In future, comparison of invasive with colonizing strains of GBS may elucidate the significance of these findings.

scholarly journals Reverse Line Blot Assay for Direct Identification of Seven Streptococcus agalactiae Major Surface Protein Antigen Genes

2006 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zuotao Zhao ◽  
Fanrong Kong ◽  
Gwendolyn L. Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Blot Hybridization ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Immunoglobulin A ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Reverse Line Blot ◽  
Variable Surface ◽  
Group B ◽  
Major Surface

ABSTRACT We developed a multiplex PCR-based reverse line blot hybridization assay (mPCR/RLB) to detect the genes encoding members of the family of variable surface-localized proteins of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus [GBS]), namely, Bca (Cα), Rib, Epsilon (Epsilon/Alp1/Alp5), Alp2, Alp3, and Alp4, and the immunoglobulin A binding protein, Bac (Cβ). We used the assay to identify these genes in a collection of well-characterized GBS isolates and reference strains. The results showed that mPCR/RLB avoids the common problems of cross-reaction and nontypability associated with protein typing using antisera. It is as sensitive as, but more practical than, separate gene-specific PCRs and would be suitable for large molecular epidemiological studies of GBS.

Natural acquired group B Streptococcus capsular polysaccharide and surface protein antibodies in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected children

Vaccine ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (44) ◽  
pp. 5217-5224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonwabile Dzanibe ◽  
Peter V. Adrian ◽  
Sheila Z. Kimaro Mlacha ◽  
Shabir A. Madhi
Keyword(s):  
Capsular Polysaccharide ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Group B

scholarly journals Evidence for Rare Capsular Switching in Streptococcus agalactiae

2009 ◽  
Vol 192 (5) ◽  
pp. 1361-1369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabete Raquel Martins ◽  
José Melo-Cristino ◽  
Mário Ramirez
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Gene Profiling ◽  
Critical Importance ◽  
Vaccination Strategies ◽  
Antigenic Factor ◽  
Group B ◽  
Lancefield Group

ABSTRACT The polysaccharide capsule is a major antigenic factor in Streptococcus agalactiae (Lancefield group B streptococcus [GBS]). Previous observations suggest that exchange of capsular loci is likely to occur rather frequently in GBS, even though GBS is not known to be naturally transformable. We sought to identify and characterize putative capsular switching events, by means of a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods, including pulsed-field gel electrophoretic profiling, multilocus sequence typing, and surface protein and pilus gene profiling. We show that capsular switching by horizontal gene transfer is not as frequent as previously suggested. Serotyping errors may be the main reason behind the overestimation of capsule switching, since phenotypic techniques are prone to errors of interpretation. The identified putative capsular transformants involved the acquisition of the entire capsular locus and were not restricted to the serotype-specific central genes, the previously suggested main mechanism underlying capsular switching. Our data, while questioning the frequency of capsular switching, provide clear evidence for in vivo capsular transformation in S. agalactiae, which may be of critical importance in planning future vaccination strategies against this pathogen.

scholarly journals Genetic characterization and diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates with macrolide resistance

2010 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 780-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Brzychczy-Włoch ◽  
Tomasz Gosiewski ◽  
Małgorzata Bodaszewska ◽  
Wojciech Pabian ◽  
Małgorzata Bulanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Macrolide Resistance ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Erythromycin Resistance ◽  
High Genetic Diversity ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Group B

Macrolide resistance in 169 Streptococcus agalactiae [group B streptococcus (GBS)] isolates originating from pregnant carriers was investigated. Using multiplex PCR the presence of genes encoding erythromycin resistance and capsular polysaccharides, as well as surface proteins, was determined. Random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and PFGE were used to characterize specific clones among the isolates. In the examined population of women, erythromycin-resistant strains were found in 4.5 % of patients, whereas clindamycin-resistant strains were found in 3 % of patients, which was 16 % of strains resistant to erythromycin and 10 % of strains resistant to clindamycin among GBS isolates, respectively. Among the isolates, the largest percentage was represented by the constitutive macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B (cMLSB) phenotype (63 %), then the inductive macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B (iMLSB) phenotype (26 %) and the macrolide resistance (M) phenotype (11 %). The ermB gene was indicated in all isolates with the cMLSB phenotype and V serotype, whereas mefA/mefE genes were found in isolates with the M phenotype and Ia serotype. Among resistance isolates, serotype V was predominant (67 %), followed by serotypes II (15 %), Ia (11 %) and III (7 %). The most common surface protein encoding genes were alp3 (70 %), then rib (11 %), epsilon (7.5 %), bca (7.5 %) and alp2 (4 %). A statistically significant relationship between macrolide resistance, serotype V and the alp3 gene was demonstrated. PFGE, in comparison to the RAPD method, gave better genetic discrimination of GBS isolates. A relatively high genetic diversity among investigated strains was shown. In addition, the largest genetic homogeneity was found in serotype V.

scholarly journals Identification of novel cps locus polymorphisms in nontypable group B Streptococcus

2006 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 775-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivas V. Ramaswamy ◽  
Patricia Ferrieri ◽  
Lawrence C. Madoff ◽  
Aurea E. Flores ◽  
Nikhil Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capsular Polysaccharide ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Genetic Profile ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Group B ◽  
Type V

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases in newborns and the elderly. A clinical GBS isolate is considered nontypable (NT) when serological methods fail to identify it as one of nine known GBS serotypes. Eight clinical isolates (designated A1–A4, B1–B4) showed PFGE profiles similar to that of a GBS serotype V strain expressing R1, R4 surface proteins. These unique isolates were further characterized by immunologic and genetic methods. Rabbit sera to isolates A1 and A2 reacted weakly with concentrated HCl extracts of A1–A4 isolates, but not with those of B1–B4 isolates. In addition, a type V capsular polysaccharide (CPS) inhibition ELISA revealed that cell wall extracts from isolates A1–A4, but not from B1–B4, expressed low but measurable amounts of type V CPS. Molecular serotyping with PCR analysis showed that all eight isolates contained a type V-specific CPS gene (cpsO) and harboured the gene encoding the surface protein Alp3. Multilocus sequence typing identified isolate A1 as belonging to a new sequence type (ST) designated ST-173, whereas the other seven isolates keyed to ST-1. Sequencing of the 18 genes (17 736 bp) in the cps locus showed that each NT isolate harboured one to three unique polymorphisms, and also identified an IS1381 element in cpsE of the B4 isolate. Collectively, genetic and immunologic analyses revealed that these NT isolates expressing R1, R4 proteins have a genetic profile consistent with that of type V, an emergent, antigenically diverse and increasingly prevalent GBS serotype.

An Emerging Infection: Streptococcal Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome Caused By Group B Streptococcus (GBS), Streptococcus Agalactiae

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S140-S140
Author(s):  
F Rajack ◽  
A Afsari ◽  
A M Ramadan ◽  
T J Naab
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Necrotizing Fasciitis ◽  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Group A Streptococcus ◽  
Multiorgan Failure ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome ◽  
Toxic Shock ◽  
Group B

Abstract Introduction/Objective Streptococcus agalactiae, Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a major cause of neonatal sepsis and infections in pregnant women. However, incidence of invasive GBS infections has more than doubled in the last two decades with highest risk in adults 65 years or older. Other risk factors are diabetes, malignancy, and immunocompromised state. Bacteremia and skin soft tissue infections are the most common invasive infections in nonpregnant adults. Rarely GBS infection has a fulminating pyrogenic exotoxin-mediated course characterized by acute onset, multiorgan failure, shock, and sometimes death, referred to as toxic shock-like syndrome. Methods A 77-year-old hypertensive female with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus and a history of bilateral foot ulcers presented to the hospital in probable septic shock. Clinical diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was made and she underwent bilateral lower limb amputations. Results Grossly soft tissue appeared gray. Microscopically fascia was necrotic without neutrophils present and Gram stain revealed sheets of Gram positive cocci. These findings reflected histopathologic Stage III necrotizing fasciitis, which is associated with 47% mortality. Autopsy showed a similar histology of Stage III necrotizing fasciitis involving the surgical stump. Erythema and desquamation of the upper limbs bilaterally and multi-organ failure met the clinical picture of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) and fulfilled the criteria for TSS due to Group A Streptococcus (GAS), defined by The Working Group on Severe Streptococcal Infections. Conclusion Group B Streptococcal Toxic Shock-Like Syndrome may have a similar outcome to STSS caused by GAS and other pathogens and, in limited studies, mortality has been 30% or greater.

scholarly journals Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase fromStreptococcus agalactiaeNEM316

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 938-941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Revathi Nagarajan ◽  
Karthe Ponnuraj
Keyword(s):  
Signal Sequence ◽  
Structure Refinement ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Surface Protein ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Space Groups ◽  
Essential Enzyme ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi ◽  
Group B ◽  
Surface Adhesins

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is an essential enzyme involved in glycolysis. Despite lacking the secretory signal sequence, this cytosolic enzyme has been found localized at the surface of several bacteria and fungi. As a surface protein, GAPDH exhibits various adhesive functions, thereby facilitating colonization and invasion of host tissues.Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as group B streptococcus (GBS), binds onto the host using its surface adhesins and causes sepsis and pneumonia in neonates. GAPDH is one of the surface adhesins of GBS binding to human plasminogen and is a virulent factor associated with host colonization. Although the surface-associated GAPDH has been shown to bind to a variety of host extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules in various bacteria, the molecular mechanism underlying their interaction is not fully understood. To investigate this, structural studies on GAPDH ofS. agalactiaewere initiated. ThegapCgene ofS. agalactiaeNEM316 encoding GAPDH protein was cloned into pET-28a vector, overexpressed inEscherichia coliBL21(DE3) cells and purified to homogeneity. The purified protein was crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The GAPDH crystals obtained in two different crystallization conditions diffracted to 2.8 and 2.6 Å resolution, belonging to two different space groupsP21andP212121, respectively. The structure was solved by molecular replacement and structure refinement is now in progress.

scholarly journals Prevalence and Serotype Determination of Streptococcus agalactiae Isolated From Non-Pregnant Women in Tehran, Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Goudarzi ◽  
Mohammad Bagher Khalili ◽  
Mahmood Vakili ◽  
Maryam Sadeh
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Streptococcus Agalactiae ◽  
Group B Streptococcus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Group B ◽  
Tehran Area

Consequence of Streptococcus agalactiae, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) relating infant’s diseases are well documented. Although many women carry this bacterium in their vagina, they may transfer to their infant during delivery and may result in different neonatal invasive diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of GBS and serotyping the isolated species among un-selective non-pregnant women who attended two gynecology clinics in Tehran. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 560 vaginal samples collected from non-pregnant women. Following inoculation of the specimen on Blood Agar, the standard technology was applied for the final identification of GBS. Detected GBS species were further confirmed using specific PCR directed on dlts gene. Capsular serotyping was done by using the multiplex PCR method. The chi-square method was used for statistical analysis. Fifty (8.9%) out of 560 non-pregnant women were carriers of GBS. The most common types were III (36%), followed by type II (32%), Ia (26%), and Ib (6%), respectively. Results represent that the prevalence rate of GBS in non-pregnant women was reliable and similar to what obtained from pregnant women. In addition, the serotype III was found the most dominant types, as well as other investigations in the Tehran area. Therefore, vaccine designation based on type III is recommended.

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