Serotype distribution of invasive group B streptococcal isolates in Maryland: Implications for vaccine formulation

Lee H. Harrison, John A. Elliott, Diane M. Dwyer, Joseph P. Libonati, Patricia Ferrieri, Lillian Billmann, Anne Schuchat

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

190 Scopus citations

Abstract

Invasive group B streptococcal (GBS) infection is a major health problem among infants and adults. The formulation of GBS vaccines depends on knowledge of the GBS serotype distribution. Serotype V GBS infection appears to have recently emerged, suggesting that the serotype distribution changes over time. GBS isolates from 210 pediatric patients, 23 pregnant women, and 314 nonpregnant adults with invasive infection in Maryland were studied. The predominant serotypes from infants with early-onset disease were as follows: serotype III, 38% of isolates; serotype Ia, 36%; serotype V, 13%; and serotype II, 11%. Although the majority (60%) of isolates among infants with late-onset infection were serotype III, serotype Ia (23%) was also common. The predominant serotype among isolates from nonpregnant adult patients was serotype V, accounting for 29% of the isolates. The serotype distribution differs between pediatric patients and adults and is changing over time. The inclusion of a relatively small number of serotypes in a GBS vaccine could provide protection against the vast majority of isolates.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)998-1002
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume177
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Financial support: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Vaccine Program, and Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health Faculty Development Fund.

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