Epidemiology of group B streptococci in an Israeli hospital
Eidelman, A.I.; Rudensky, B.; Ferne, M.; Weintraub, G.; Isacshon, M.
Israel Journal of Medical Sciences 19(10): 903-905
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-2180 PMID: 6363346 Document Number: 207959
A technique for the rapid identification and quantification of Group B streptococci (GBS) utilizing timed coagglutination and selective broth media was designed. A prospective study of 283 mothers and 121 newborns based on this methodology revealed a GBS colonization rate of 5.3 and 4.1%, respectively. A retrospective study of 19,875 births revealed a GBS attack rate of 0.2 per 1,000 live births. Both the low colonization and the low attack rates confirm previous anecdotal reports of a low incidence of GBS colonization and disease in Israel. The technique described herein can aid in identifying those infants at risk for invasive disease.