Molecular Dx Significance 6/10

GBS Detection Modernised With MALDI-TOF, Molecular Assays, and Chromogenic Media

Efficient determination of Group B Streptococcus colonisation status in pregnant women is crucial for guiding intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis and preventing invasive neonatal infections. MALDI-TOF MS, molecular techniques, and chromogenic culture media including Granada-type media have significantly changed the diagnostic landscape for GBS detection. This review evaluates both classic and novel identification tools to maximise the probability of GBS recovery in clinical settings.

The original study

Reliable Detection of Group B Streptococcus in the Clinical Laboratory.

Authors
Rosa-Fraile M, Spellerberg B
Journal
Journal of clinical microbiology
Type
Journal Article, Review
PMID
28659318
Read the original study →

Original abstract

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of invasive neonatal infections and a significant pathogen in immunocompromised adults. Screening to detect GBS colonization in pregnant women determines the need for antibiotic prophylaxis in that pregnancy. Efficient determination of the GBS colonization status of pregnant women is crucial. Methods that maximize the probability of GBS recovery are needed. The availability of technologies such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), molecular techniques, and chromogenic culture media, including Granada-type media, have changed the scenario for GBS detection and identification. This review presents and evaluates novel diagnostic tools, as well as classic identification techniques, for GBS species determination.