Molecular Epidemiology of Invasive Group B Streptococcus in South Africa, 2019–2020 - Summary - MDSpire

Molecular Epidemiology of Invasive Group B Streptococcus in South Africa, 2019–2020

  • By

  • Buhle Ntozini

  • Sibongile Walaza

  • Benjamin Metcalf

  • Scott Hazelhurst

  • Linda de Gouveia

  • Susan Meiring

  • Dineo Mogale

  • Senzo Mtshali

  • Arshad Ismail

  • Kedibone Ndlangisa

  • Mignon Du Plessis

  • Vanessa Quan

  • Sopio Chochua

  • Lesley McGee

  • Anne von Gottberg

  • Nicole Wolter

  • December 31, 2024

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To characterize invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) isolates from individuals of all ages in South Africa, focusing on antimicrobial resistance, serotype distribution, and genomic lineages, highlighting its public health implications.

Key Findings:
  • 1748 invasive GBS cases were reported, with 661 isolates characterized (658 yielding both phenotypic and genotypic results).
  • Isolates belonged to 5 clonal complexes and 6 serotypes, with serotype III being the most prevalent (42.8%).
  • Only 1 isolate showed reduced penicillin susceptibility; however, high resistance rates were observed for tetracycline (91.5%).
  • Common resistance genes included ermTR and mefA/E for erythromycin, and tetM for tetracycline.
Interpretation:

β-lactam antibiotics remain effective for GBS treatment in South Africa, and the development of vaccines targeting prevalent serotypes is promising, with significant public health implications.

Limitations:
  • Data on antibiotic susceptibility in South Africa is limited, impacting the understanding of resistance patterns.
  • The study may not fully represent all age groups due to varying surveillance efforts.
Conclusion:

The study highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of GBS to monitor antibiotic resistance and support vaccine development efforts, emphasizing its importance in public health.

Original Source(s)

Molecular Epidemiology of Invasive Group B Streptococcus in South Africa, 2019–2020

  • by Buhle Ntozini, Sibongile Walaza, Benjamin Metcalf, Scott Hazelhurst, Linda de Gouveia, Susan Meiring, Dineo Mogale, Senzo Mtshali, Arshad Ismail, Kedibone Ndlangisa, Mignon Du Plessis, Vanessa Quan, Sopio Chochua, Lesley McGee, Anne von Gottberg, Nicole Wolter

  • December 31, 2024

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