Molecular Epidemiology of Invasive Group B Streptococcus in South Africa, 2019-2020.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal meningitis and sepsis and an important cause of disease in adults. Capsular polysaccharide and protein-based GBS vaccines are currently under development.

Methods

Through national laboratory-based surveillance, invasive GBS isolates were collected from patients of all ages between 2019 and 2020. Phenotypic serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted, followed by whole-genome sequencing for analysis of population structure and surface protein and resistance genes.

Results

In total, 1748 invasive GBS cases were reported. Of these, 661 isolates underwent characterization, with 658 yielding both phenotypic and genotypic results. Isolates (n = 658) belonged to 5 clonal complexes (C

SUBMITTER: Ntozini B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11998550 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature