Iranian Journal of Pathology

Virulence Determinants, Serotypes, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Rectovaginal Isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

Shokoh Abotorabi 1
Zohreh Rasooli 2
Hamideh Pakniat 2
Fahimeh Baloo 3

1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Research Development Unit, Kosar Hospital, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Iran

2 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran

3 Emergency Department, Kosar hospital, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30699/ijp.2023.559137.2943
Abstract
Background & Objective: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of serotypes, virulence-associated genes, and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus agalactiae in pregnant volunteers attending a major maternity hospital in Iran.
Methods: The virulence determinants and antimicrobial resistance profiles of 270 Group B streptococcus (GBS) samples were assessed in the adult participants. The prevalence of GBS serotypes, virulence-associated genes, and antimicrobial resistance of the isolates was determined.
Results: The GBS prevalence in the vaginal, rectal, and urinal carrier rates were 8.9%, 4.44%, and 4.44%, respectively, with no concomitant colonization. The serotypes Ia, Ib, and II were at a 1:2:1 ratio. The rectal isolates, harboring CylE, lmb, and bca genes, were of serotype Ia, susceptible to vancomycin. The serotype Ib from urine samples carrying three distinct virulence genes was susceptible to Ampicillin. In comparison, the same serotype with two virulence genes of CylE and lmb exhibited sensitivity to both Ampicillin and Ceftriaxone. The vaginal isolates belonged to serotype II with the CylE gene or serotype Ib with CylE and lmb genes. These isolates harboring the CylE gene were resistant to Cefotaxime. The overall antibiotic susceptibility range was 12.5-56.25%.
Conclusion: The findings broaden our understanding of the pathogenicity of the prevailing GBS colonization and predict different clinical outcomes.

Keywords

GBS
Genotypes
Group B streptococcus
Serotype
Streptococcus agalactiae
Virulence

Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Pathology
Volume 18, Issue 1
Winter 2023
Pages 82-89

  • Receive Date 26 July 2022
  • Revise Date 02 November 2022
  • Accept Date 14 December 2022

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