Survey of Gram Positive Bacteria Streptococcus (B)

Group B Streptococcus (agalactiae)

Differentiated from group A streptococcus by group specific cell wall antigens, a smaller zone of beta hemolysis (yellow/buttery colonies), and is resistant to bacitracin

Capsule

Antibodies produced by our immune system target antigens on this. This doesn’t actually provide protection from our immune system.

Group B

Colonizes the gastrointestinal, genital, and urinary tracts. Typically infects newborns who do not have the specific antibodies to target it but can infect adults usually through wound infections. Produces enzymes whose roles are not yet understood

Neonatal Bacteremia

Bacterial infection in the blood in newborns

Meningitis

Swelling in membranes covering the brain and spinal cord

Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Test

Used to identify group B Streptococcus. Antibodies bind to antigens that are only found in the cell walls of Group B Streptococcus.

Treatment of Group B Streptococcus

Given penicillin or ampicillin, preventative use of penicillin during childbirth reduces newborn infections