Serologic and genetic analysis of group B streptococci isolated from adult patients

Serologic and genetic typing with RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) method was used for epidemiologic analysis of GBS. 125 strains isolated from various clinical samples from adult patients were tested. In serologic typing seven serotypes have been found. Serotypes III and R were the most often encountered, containing 37,6% and 20,8% of samples. There was no dependence between serologic type and disease process. Optimalisation of RAPD reaction parameters was based on the standard strains of GBS. In the group of strains tested with the use of RAPD method, eleven genetic profiles were found, with prevalence of profile B (25,8%). Five other profiles occured with similar frequency (8,8% - 12,8%). Among streptococci isolated from patients with the infection of genitourinary tract, great differentiation in the genetic profiles of the strains has been found. Each serologic type contained various genetic profiles. Genetic variety showed by RAPD method indicates the raised ability of this technique to find differences among isolates of GBS.