Epidemiological observations of invasive group B Streptococcus infections in six major hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia

Objective:To address the lack of research on invasive group B Streptococcus(GBS)infections in Malaysia and Southeast Asia through a comprehensive analysis of GBS isolates obtained from hospitals.Methods:Medical records from patients with GBS infection isolated from the sterile site,such as blood and cerebrospinal fluid from 14 July 2019 to 15 December 2020,were reviewed from six major hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia.Inclusion criteria were invasive GBS,sterile sites and non-repeated GBS isolated from the same patients in the same admission.Viable isolates were re-identified for GBS and serotyped.Results:A total of 118 patients were eligible,with a majority of non-pregnant adults(76.3%).Over half of the patients(62.7%)had underlying medical conditions,with diabetes as the most common disease,followed by respiratory disease,renal disease,cardiovascular disease and skin and soft tissue disease.The most common manifestations were sepsis,followed by soft tissue abscess,diabetic foot ulcer,wet gangrene and cellulitis.The overall mortality was 7.6%.The most common serotype was serotype桋.Conclusions:Invasive GBS infection among non-pregnant adults showed a rising trend,particularly among diabetic individuals.The study underscores the importance of reducing risk factors and highlights the necessity of developing GBS vaccination as a preventive strategy for both infants and adults.

Invasive group B streptococcal infection in a patient with post splenectomy for hypersplenism secondary to liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

BACKGROUND:Splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis(LC)is expected to become more common owing to its efficacy on portal hemodynamics.In this report we describe an alarming case of group B streptococcus(GBS)infection after splenectomy in a patient with LC.METHODS:A 72-year-old woman with a history of LC was admitted to our emergency department because of respiratory failure.The patient had received left lateral segmentectomy of the liver and splenectomy three months before admission.Pulmonary examination revealed significant wheezing during inspiration and expiration,but no crackles and stridor.Chest radiography and CT showed no infiltrates.A presumptive diagnosis of bronchial asthma caused by upper respiratory infection was made.Four days after admission,GBS infection was confirmed by blood culture and penicillin G was administered.Antibiotics were given intravenously for a total of 12 days.RESULTS:The patient was discharged on the 12th day after admission.CONCLUSIONS:Although efficacy of splenectomy in patients with LC has been reported,immune status should be evaluated for a longer period.Patients who have undergone splenectomy are highly susceptible to bacteria;moreover,LC itself is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with sepsis.Since prophylaxis against GBS has not been established,immediate action should be taken.Emergency physicians should be aware of invasive GBS infection in the context of the critical risk factors related to splenectomy and LC,particularly the expected increase of splenectomy performed in LC patients.

Influence of group B streptococcus and vaginal cleanliness on the vaginal microbiome of pregnant women

BACKGROUND The vaginal microbiome plays a critical role in the health of pregnant women and their newborns.Group B Streptococcus(GBS)and vaginal cleanliness significantly affect the vaginal microecosystem and are closely associated with vaginal diseases.AIM To explore the effects of GBS status and vaginal cleanliness on vaginal microecosystems.METHODS We collected 160 vaginal swabs from pregnant women and divided them into the following four groups based on GBS status and vaginal cleanliness:GBS-positive+vaginal cleanliness I–II degree,GBS-negative+vaginal cleanliness I–II degree,GBS-positive+vaginal cleanliness III–IV degree,and GBS-negative+vaginal cleanliness III–IV degree.Samples were subjected to 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.RESULTS Alpha diversity analysis showed that the Shannon index did not significantly differ between the four groups.We identified significant variation in taxa abundance between the GBS-positive and GBS-negative groups and between the vaginal cleanliness I–II degree and III–IV degree groups.Principal coordinate analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis further confirmed the microbial diversity of the four groups.Moreover,the linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that Lactobacillus jensenii and Actinobacteria were strongly associated with GBS-positive status,and Lactobacillus iners,Lactobacillaceae,Lactobacillus,Lactobacillales,Bacilli and Firmicutes were closely correlated with GBS-negative status.CONCLUSION GBS status and vaginal cleanliness significantly affect vaginal microbiome differences in pregnant women.Our findings provide instructional information for clinical antibiotic treatment in pregnant women with different GBS statuses and vaginal cleanliness degrees.

Disease burden,antimicrobial resistance and molecular characterization of invasive group B Streptococcus among non-pregnant adults in Malaysia:A protocol study

and pili genes are also investigated.Methods:This multicentre,prospective,observational study is conducted in seven major tertiary hospitals in Malaysia among non-pregnant adults.Simultaneously,a retrospective study is conducted in the selected hospitals with similar approaches.GBS isolates are subjected to phenotyping,serotyping by multiplex PCR,antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR-detection of GBS virulence and pilus genes.Seven housekeeping genes are amplified and sequenced for multi-locus sequence typing.Discussion:Findings from the study may contribute to the management of clinical practice to diagnose and prevent GBS related diseases in a timely manner.Prudent use of antibiotics is encouraged by monitoring antimicrobial resistance.

Group B Streptococcal Chorioamnionitis with Intact Amniotic Membranes. A Rare?

Group B streptococcus infection (GBS) is an important cause of perinatal infection. Maternal colonization by GBS can cause amniotic infection and thus fetal infection, sometimes causing fetal death. This infection generally occurs in association with premature rupture of membranes. We present here an infrequent case of GBS chorioamnionitis in full-term gestation with intact amniotic membranes. The curiosity of the case lies in the integrity of the amniotic membranes, the asymptomatic clinical presentation, and the adverse result (term fetal death).

Risk Factors for Group B <i>Streptococcus</i>Colonization and Drugs Sensitivity Pattern in a Nigerian Obstetric Population

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major cause of bacterial infections in the perinatal period, of which colonization prevalence among Northern-Nigerian pregnant women is scarce. We attempted to determine 1) its prevalence, 2) risk factors for GBS colonization and 3) drugs-susceptibility. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 185 pregnant women between 35 - 37 weeks of gestation at tertiary health center of Sokoto, Nigeria. Vaginal/rectal swabs were collected, were cultured for GBS and tested for drug-susceptibilities. The study was conducted between December, 2017 and April, 2018. Results: One hundred and eighty five (185) pregnant women participated in this study. GBS vaginal-colonization-rate was 3.8% (7/185). A significance relationship was observed between GBS-colonization and socio-economic class, as 57.10% (4/7) of the GBS positive women were of low-socio economic class (p 0.035). No associations were observed between GBS-colonization and the followings: maternal age, parity, poor obstetric outcome-history. All the 7 GBS positive cultures were sensitive to Clindamycin. One was sensitive to both Clindamycin and Ceftriaxone. None was sensitive to Penicillin. Conclusion: The prevalence of GBS colonization was low in this area. Maternal socio-economic class is found to be a risk of GBS-colonization.

Vaginal Carriage of Group B Streptococcus in Pregnant Women in Rural Areas in Senegal

Vaginal carriage of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a maternal and child health issue. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of GBS carriage;identify the factors associated with this carriage and determine the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated strains. We conducted a cross-sectional and prospective study in rural Senegal (in the health district of Sokone). Socio-demographic, clinical and gynaeco-obstetrical data were collected. Vaginal swabs were taken by the midwives on specific settings in order to test for GBS and other High Risk Vaginal Bacteria (HRVB). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done according to the recommendations of the CA SFM/EUCAST 2020. In total, 100 pregnant women were targeted and 97 pregnant women were included. Their age ranged from 18 to 40 years with 64.9% (63/97) of participants belonging to the “20 - 30” age group. The overall prevalence of Group B Streptococcus carriage was 15.5% (15/97). However, the proportion of women with at least one high risk infectious bacteria was 29.89% (29/97). No statistically significant differences were found between GBS carriage and the potential factors studied. However, the study also looked for the presence of other high-risk bacteria and coinfections were indeed found between GBS and E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing shows that GBS strains were fully susceptible to penicillin G, erythromycin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, rifampicin and vancomycin. Sensitivities to norfloxacin and gentamycin were 73.3% and 86.7% respectively. In contrast, high resistance to tetracycline (86.7%) was observed. GBS carriage remains a major public health issue because of its consequences for the mother and the newborn. Correct screening and proper monitoring of strain susceptibility remain one of the most effective means of patient management and care.

Vaginal Colonization and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Group B <i>Streptococcus</i>Isolated from Pregnant Women in Maternitéde l’Hôpital Des Soeurs de Pauvres de Bergame de Kimbanseke, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium which often colonizes maternal vaginal and rectal epitheliums and can be transmitted to the neonate during delivery. GBS infections may cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity, including sepsis, pneumonia and meningitis. In Democratic Republic of Congo, few studies have been done on GBS colonization of pregnant women. This study was conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo in order to determine the prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization among pregnant women at a gestational age of 35 - 37 weeks and the antibiotic susceptibility. Vaginal swabs of 104 pregnant women were inoculated onto Chromatic Strepto B medium. GBS isolates were identified by Gram staining, catalase test, blue-green colonies and confirmed to be GBS by Strepto B latex test kit. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done using the disc diffusion method. The prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization was 23.07%. Of the isolates studied 100%, 75%, 62.5%, 50% were sensitive to vancomycin, clindamycin, cefazolin, and erythromycin respectively. Our findings seem to suggest that maternal GBS colonization rate in this study was higher compared to a previous report from Bukavu in Democratic Republic of Congo. All isolates were found to be sensitive to vancomycin which was the most effective antibiotic for the treatment of GBS infections.

Outcomes of Pregnancy with Group B Streptococcal Infections in Najran, Saudi Arabia

Background: The gram-positive, beta-hemolytic, and chain-forming Group B Streptococcus (GBS), commonly known as Streptococcus agalactiae, may asymptomatically invade the human gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts. However, GBS may become very invasive and pathogenic to the mother and baby during pregnancy, having negative effects. Study Aim: This study aims to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of women who tested positive for genitourinary GBS infection during pregnancy in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from patient files in Armed Forces Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia. Data collected were entered to a Microsoft Excel sheet, then imported and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results: The study included 272 women of whom 66.5% were 31 to 45 years old. Gestational diabetes was diagnosed in 8.5% of the sample, 71.7% had a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (NSVD), 1.8% had previous abortions, and 27.2% of new-borns were admitted to the NICU after delivery. There was a significant association between NICU admissions and women employment status (p = 0.001), gravidity (p = 0.001), parity (p = 0.001), history of abortions (p = 0.001), medical conditions (p = 0.049), and mode of delivery (p = 0.049). Conclusion: According to the findings of our study, GBS infection during pregnancy is associated to more NICU admissions. NICU admissions were significantly correlated with gestational diabetes, hypertension, and hypothyroidism in mothers but not with intrapartum antibiotic use.

High mobility group box-1 protein inhibits regulatory T cell immune activity in liver failure in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND: Liver failure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is a severe, life-threatening condition. Intestinal endotoxemia plays a significant role in the progress to liver failure. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein is involved in the process of endotoxemia. Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune tolerance and contribute to the immunological hyporesponsiveness against HBV infection. However, the roles of HMGB1 and Treg cells in the pathogenesis of liver failure in CHB patients, and whether HMGB1 affects the immune activity of Treg cells are poorly known at present, and so were explored in this study. METHODS: The levels of HMGB1 expression were detected by ELISA, real-time RT-PCR, and Western blotting, and the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low) Treg cells among CD4(+) cells was detected by flow cytometry in liver failure patients with chronic HBV infection, CHB patients, and healthy controls. Then, CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low) Treg cells isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CHB patients were stimulated with HMGB1 at different concentrations or at various intervals. The effect of HMGB1 on the immune activity of Treg cells was assessed by a suppression assay of the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte response. The levels of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression in Treg cells treated with HMGB1 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: A higher level of HMGB1 expression and a lower percentage of Treg cells within the population of CIA(+) cells were found in liver failure patients than in CHB patients (82.6+/-20.1 mu g/L vs. 34.2+/-13.7 mu g/L; 4.55+/-1.34% vs. 9.52+/-3.89%, respectively). The immune activity of Treg cells was significantly weakened and the levels of Foxp3 expression were reduced in a dose- or time-dependent manner when Treg cells were stimulated with HMGB1 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of HMGB1 and the low percentage of Treg cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver failure in patients with chronic HBV infection. Moreover, HMGB1 can weaken the immune activity of Treg cells. It is suggested that effectively inhibiting HMGB1 expression could be a feasible way to treat liver failure by suppressing endotoxemia and enhancing Treg cell activity.

Molecular characterization of VP4,VP6,VP7 and NSP4 genes of group B rotavirus strains from outbreaks of gastroenteritis

Objective:To characterize VP4,VP6,VP7 and NSP4 genes of representative GBR strains(NIV- 005625.MV-04622 and NIV-094456) delected as the major eliolngic agenl in the outbreaks of gastroenteritis in western India.Methods:Fecal specimens collected during the outbreaks of gastroenteritis were processed for RNA isolation.RT-PCR using GBR VP4.VP6.VP7 and NSP4 gene specific primers,nucleotide sequencing of the amplicons and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences.Results:Phylogenetic analysis of all of the VP4.VP6.VP7 and NSP4 gene sequences revealed clustering of GBR strains in Indian-Bangladeshi lineage of genotype G2 with 95.8%- 99.4%nucleotide and 97.3%-100.0%amino acid identities.However,all three strains showed the presence of unique amino acid substitutions in the VP4 protein suggesting alteration in the antigenicity of outbreak strains of GBR.The VP8* and VP5* regions of VP4 proteins showed respectively 0.5%-6.3%and 0.2%-1.1%amino acid divergence from human GBR strains of Indian-Bangladeshi lineage.Conclusions:These data confirm the reported variability of VP8* region and suggest the possible role of this region in the perpetuation of GBR infections in the environment.This is the first study to document the phylogenetic relationship of VP4,VP6.VP7 and NSP4 genes of GBR strains detected in the outbreaks of gastroenteritis from India with the CBR strains from other parts of world.

Ritual Immersion in a Mikveh Is Associated with Increased Risk of Group B Streptococcal Carrier State in Israeli Parturient Women

Purpose: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection is a major cause of neonatal sepsis. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for GBS carriership among parturient women in Jerusalem. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 436 parturient Jewish women at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus. The study included patient interview and vagino-rectal swab for culture. Main outcome measures were the prevalence of GBS carriership among study population. Results: Of the 436 participants, 77 had a positive culture for GBS, giving a carrier rate of 17.7%. No differences were found between carriers and non-carriers in age, BMI or parity. Orthodox Jewish women had a significantly higher carrier rate compared with secular Jewish women (20.6% vs. 12.8% respectively), yielding an age, education and BMI adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06 - 3.40). Similarly, ritual immersion was associated with increased risk of carrier state with an adjusted OR of 2.01 (95% CI: 1.03 - 3.92, P = 0.039). Conclusions: Our study suggests an association between ritual immersion in the Mikveh and GBS carriership.

Protocol for a Diagnostic Accuracy Study of Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detecting Group B <i>Streptococcus</i>Colonisation in Early Labour or with Spontaneous Ruptured Membranes

Background: Group B Streptococcus [GBS] is a bacterium which transiently colonises the genital tract and can be transmitted from mother to baby at birth. Babies colonised with GBS can develop early-onset group B streptococcus disease [EOGBSD] which can lead to extended hospital stay, disability and death. One of the primary methods for determining which women are most likely to be GBS positive at the time of birth is antenatal universal culture-based screening. Recently Polymerase Chain Reaction [PCR] screening has emerged as a point-of-care method for screening women during the intrapartum period. This study will compare the diagnostic accuracy of this new technology and antenatal culture-based screening at 35 to 37 weeks gestational age, with the reference standard of formal culture-based testing in labour. Methods: This prospective observational study will take place in an Australian hospital. Consecutive women with one or more live fetuses, intending to have a vaginal birth will be asked to participate. Planned screening for GBS colonisation using microbiological culture on a self-collected specimen will occur at 35 to 37 completed weeks gestational age as per our usual hospital policy. A PCR GBS test by Xpert GBS (Cepheid) will be performed on admission to labour ward or at the time of rupture of membranes. The reference standard will be a formal GBS culture on a combined lower vaginal and perianal swab. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios will be estimated for both antenatal screening and the intrapartum Xpert GBS (Cepheid) point-of-care test and compared to the reference standard. Results: It is expected that the study will be completed by mid to late 2020. Conclusion: This study has the potential to improve the accuracy of GBS screening of pregnant women and therefore health outcomes for mothers and babies. There is also the potential for a cost savings to the health system.

Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus among Pregnant Women in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae, which asymptomatically colonizes the female genital tract, is one of the leading causes of septicemia, meningitis and pneumonia in neonates. This study was conducted in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso to determine the prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women. Methods: Six hundred and eleven (611) pregnant women were screened for GBS colonization between July and December 2016. Vaginal swab samples were aseptically collected from the subjects after oral informed consent. Standard microbiological methods were used to isolate and identify GBS isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of GBS isolates was assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Colonization prevalence was 6.05%. No risk factors associated with the carriage rate was statistically identified. All isolates were susceptible to Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Levofloxacin, Vancomycin and Nitrofurantoin. Resistance to antibiotics was found for erythromycin (35.14%), lincomycin (16.22%) and penicillin G (10.81%). Conclusion: Although a low carriage (6.05%) rate and isolates were susceptible to many antibiotics found in this study, a policy of systematic screening of pregnant women at least in the third trimester must be promoted.

STUDY ON PERSISTENT INFECTION OF COXSACKIEVIRUSGROUP B IN MURINE MODEL OF CHRONICVIRAL MYOCARDITIS

Objective To investigate the dynamic change of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) in murine model ofchronic myocarditis and revel the molecular mechanism of the persistent infection of the tirus.Methods Strand - specific RT- PCR(ssRT- PCR), quantitative RT- PCR (qRT - PCR) and multiplexRT- PCR(mRT- PCR). Results The positive strand of CVB3 RNA existed in heart tissue up to 3 monthsalthough its amount decreased by 103～4 folds from acute to chronic phase. The negative strand RNA for virusreplication kept its amount on la moleculars per gram heart tissue. Some conserved areas of virus RNA 5’NTRand 3’NTR were lost in chronic phase. Conclusion The virus kept replication during the whole phase ofmyocarditis and speeded down on chronic period in the status of persistent infection. That may be due to theterminal lose of CVB RNA.

Perspectives in the investigation of Cockayne syndrome group B neurological disease:the utility of patient-derived brain organoid models

Cockayne syndrome(CS)group B(CSB),which results from mutations in the excision repair cross-complementation group 6(ERCC6)genes,which produce CSB protein,is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by multiple progressive disorders including growth failure,microcephaly,skin photosensitivity,and premature aging.Clinical data show that brain atrophy,demyelination,and calcification are the main neurological manifestations of CS,which progress with time.Neuronal loss and calcification occur in various brain areas,particularly the cerebellum and basal ganglia,resulting in dyskinesia,ataxia,and limb tremors in CSB patients.However,the understanding of neurodevelopmental defects in CS has been constrained by the lack of significant neurodevelopmental and functional abnormalities observed in CSB-deficient mice.In this review,we focus on elucidating the protein structure and distribution of CSB and delve into the impact of CSB mutations on the development and function of the nervous system.In addition,we provide an overview of research models that have been instrumental in exploring CS disorders,with a forward-looking perspective on the substantial contributions that brain organoids are poised to further advance this field.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of the High Mobility B Group Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana

[Objective] The aim was to better research the function and action mode of High Mobility Group B （HMGB） proteins in higher plants. [Method] At2G33450,At5G23405 and At5G23420 genes of HMGB protein family in Arabidopsis thaliana were cloned by the use of RT-PCR method,and the expression of these three proteins in E.coli and Arabidopsis thaliana were detected by using SDS-PAGE,Northern blot and subcellular localization methods. [Result] The results showed that the molecular weights of the three proteins were 17.5,17.0 and 27.0 kD respectively,and the expression levels of the proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana were At5G23420At5G23405At2G33450. In addition,all the three proteins were located in nucleus. [Conclusion] The study will provide a basis for the further research on the biological function of HMGB proteins in higher plants.

A state-of-the-art review on transition between the fast fluidization and pneumatic transport of Geldart group B particles

The fluidization state in the circulating fluidized bed(CFB)boiler is crucial to its stable and safe operation.However,up to now,the research field has not reached unanimity on whether the fluidization regime that the upper furnace of the boiler operates in is the fast fluidization or pneumatic transport.To this end,this paper reviewed relevant research on the transition between the fast fluidization and pneumatic transport of Geldart group B particles,including the flow characteristics of the fast fluidization,the transition condition between the fast fluidization and pneumatic transport,the determination methods of the transport velocity utr and saturation carrying capacity G_(s)* and the influencing factors on these two parameters.Previous research findings can provide certain guidelines for the design and optimization of the CFB boiler,and result in plenty of prediction correlations for utr and G_(s)*.Nonetheless,owing to insufficient data available on Geldart group B particles,especially the ones obtained under high temperature or pressure conditions and in large-scale CFB apparatuses,the existing correlations are not well suited for the prediction of u_(tr) and G_(s)* of Geldart group B particles.Thus,further efforts are urgently demanded on the fast fluidization transition of Geldart group B particles.

Gas-solid flow in a high-density circulating fluidized bed riser with Geldart group B particles

We carried out experiments to explore and characterize the gas-solid flow dynamics of Geldart group B particles in a dense circulating fluidized bed riser. By reducing the pressure drop across the solid control valve and increasing the solid inventory in the storage tank, a high solid circulation rate and a solid holdup above 0.075 throughout the riser were simultaneously achieved. At a solid-to-gas mass flux ratio of approximately 105, flow transitioned from fast fluidization to a dense suspension upflow. In the axial direction of the riser, solid holdup had an exponential profile, increasing with increasing solid circulation rate and Jot decreasing superficial gas velocity. From the riser＇s center to its wall, the solid holdup increased markedly, exhibiting a steep parabolic profile. Increasing the solid circulation rate increased the radial non-uniformity of the solid concentration, while increasing the superficial gas velocity had the opposite effect, In our dense circulating fluidized bed riser, Geldart group B particles had similar slip characteristics to Geldart group A particles,

Experimental study on distribution of serotypes and antimicrobial patterns of Group B streptococcus strains

Objective To obtain information on the distribution of serotypes and antimicrobial agent susceptibilities to group B streptococcus (GBS) strains isolated in Beijing area from 1991 to 1996. Methods Bacterial isolates of GBS were obtained from vaginal and cervical tract of pregnant and nonpregnant women in Beijing Tian Tan Hospital by culture. A total of 76 GBS strains were identified finally by coagglutination. Serotyping was determined by Standard Lancefield method. Susceptibility to test agents was assessed by determining the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) with agar dilution method that was established by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). Results Seven serotypes were identified among 76 GBS strains isolates. Types Ⅱ (33%), Ⅲ (23%) and Ⅰa (16%) were the predominant serotypes in pregnant and nonpregnant women. MICs of penicillin G and ampicillin were ≤0.06 μg/ml. MICs of cephazolin, cefuroxime and cefoperozone were 0.003 μg/ml 0.06 μg/ml. MICs of erythromycin were 0.003 μg/ml 0.03 μg/ml. MICs of gentamycin were 1 μg/ml 32 μg/ml. MICs of amikacin were 4 μg/ml ≥64 μg/ml, nearly 12.8% and 40.4% of the strains were resistant to gentamycin and amikacin, respectively. Conclusions Our study provides useful epidemiologic data for preparation of GBS type specific vaccines which can prevent GBS infections and antimicrobial agents susceptibility patterns in China. Routine reports on GBS susceptibilities by clinical laboratories and continuous surveillance for changes in the susceptibility are of considerable clinical importance.