Use of direct latex agglutination testing of selective broth in the detection of group B strepptococcal carriage in pregnant women

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2004 Jan;23(1):61-2. doi: 10.1007/s10096-003-1052-x. Epub 2003 Nov 6.

Abstract

Direct latex agglutination testing of selective broth medium for the detection of group B streptococci was evaluated. Results were compared with those obtained by the recommended subculture method. Among the 551 vaginal-rectal specimens tested, 101 (18.3%) were positive by the subculture method. Of these subcultures, latex agglutination testing detected 99 (98%) positive specimens. Agglutination testing of selective broth is a sensitive method which offers the advantage of saving 24 h in the turnaround time for detection of group B streptococci in pregnant women.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carrier State*
  • Colony Count, Microbial*
  • Culture Media
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Latex Fixation Tests*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control
  • Prenatal Care
  • Rectum / microbiology
  • Sampling Studies
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / growth & development
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / isolation & purification*
  • Vagina / microbiology

Substances

  • Culture Media