Protease production by clinical isolates of type III group B streptococci

Capsular sialic acid limits C5a production on type III group B streptococci.

The majority of type III group B streptococcus (GBS) human neonatal infections are caused by a genetically related subgroup called III-3. We have proposed that a bacterial enzyme, C5a-ase, contributes to the pathogenesis of neonatal infections with GBS by rapidly inactivating C5a, a potent pro-inflammatory molecule, but many III-3 strains do not express C5a-ase. The amount of C5a produced in se...

The production of hyaluronidase by Lancefield's Group B streptococci.

Role of L-ficolin/mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease complexes in the opsonophagocytosis of type III group B streptococci.

Serotype III group B streptococci (GBS) are a common cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Although deficiency in maternal capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-specific IgG correlates with susceptibility of neonates to the GBS infection, serum deficient in CPS-specific IgG mediates significant opsonophagocytosis. This IgG-independent opsonophagocytosis requires activation of the complement pathway,...

Identification of a highly encapsulated, genetically related group of invasive type III group B streptococci.

Type III group B streptococci (GBS) isolated from Tokyo and Salt Lake City were classified according to the similarity of HindIII and Sse83871 restriction digest patterns (RDPs) of bacterial DNA. The bacteria were clustered into three RDP types, with excellent correlation between subtyping based on the two enzymes. The majority (91%) of invasive isolates obtained from neonates were RDP type III...

Characterization and incidence of pigment production by human clinical group B streptococci.

Pigment was produced in stab cultures by 97% of 297 group B streptococci isolated from human clinical specimens. The pigment, which was associated with a membranous cell fraction, showed a four-banded absorption spectrum similar to that of a carotenoid, with maxima at 435, 566, 485, and 525 nm. Addition of glucose to the growth medium suppressed pigment production in most strains. Only 37% of s...