Potential Application of Bacteriophages in Enrichment Culture for Improved Prenatal Streptococcus agalactiae Screening.

ABSTRACT: Vertical transmission of Streptococcus agalactiae can cause neonatal infections. A culture test in the late stage of pregnancy is used to screen for the presence of maternal S. agalactiae for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. For the test, a vaginal⁻rectal sample is recommended to be enriched, followed by bacterial identification. In some cases, Enterococcus faecalis overgrows in the enrichment culture. Consequently, the identification test yields false-negative results. Bacteriophages (phages) can be used as antimicrobial materials. Here, we explored the feasibility of using phages to minimize false-negative results in an experimental setting. Phage mixture was prepared using three phages that specifically infect E. faecalis: phiEF24C, phiEF17H, and phiM1EF22

SUBMITTER: Uchiyama J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6213948 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature