Strain Differences in Virulence of Group B Streptococci

Abstract

Summary: Strain differences in virulence for types la, II and III group B streptococci were assessed using an animal model of group B streptococcal disease. Human isolates of group B streptococci, which have been shown to have strain specific differences in opsonic requirements, were also found to exhibit differences in virulence within the same serotype. Serum, possessing opsonic and protective antibody against one strain, often did not have activity against other strains of the same serotype. Our results point to a direct correlation between strain resistance to opsonization and increased virulence within a given serotype.

Speculation: Some strains of group B streptococci appear to be more virulent than others in experimental animals. These strains are not uniformly susceptible to the action of antibody andcomplement. Such strain differences in virulence and opsonic requirements must be considered in the development of active or passive immunotherapy of this most fulminant of neonatal diseases.

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