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DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1285099
Rapid Diagnostic Test for Identifying Group B Streptococcus
Publication History
Publication Date:
04 August 2011 (online)
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ABSTRACT
Neonatal infection with Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus [GBS]) causes significant morbidity and mortality. A truly rapid diagnostic test for identifying GBS would allow for more timely initiation of antibiotic prophylaxis and also reduce the administration of antibiotics for the prevention of early onset neonatal GBS infection. A stock culture was formed from a laboratory reference strain of GBS and was diluted from 107 to 101 bacteria/mL. Specific concentrations were used to inoculate nitrocellulose membranes (NCMs) that had been coated previously with polyclonal rabbit antibody against GBS. After specific times, the NCMs were removed from the sheep blood agar medium, and horseradish-peroxidase conjugate polyclonal antibody against GBS was added. Bound antibody was detected with diaminobenzidine. After 6 hours of incubation, GBS was detected at concentrations from 107 through 104 bacterial/mL. After 4 hours of incubation, GBS was detected at concentrations from 107 through 105 bacteria/mL. GBS was not detected at 2 hours of incubation. Rapid growth and detection of GBS can be performed, and the results can be reliably attained as early as 4 hours. This is in marked contrast to the 48 to 72 hours required by current methods.
KEYWORDS
GBS - rapid diagnostic test - colonization - pregnancy
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Jonathan FaroM.D. Ph.D.
Department Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
UT Health Science Center, Houston, TX
Email: Jonathan.P.Faro@uth.tmc.edu