Serotype determination for Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) by latex agglutination

The determination of serotype for Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus) by latex agglutination.

• Neonatal infections

Pure culture, presumptively identified as S. agalactiae, isolated from a normally sterile site (such as blood or CSF).

Isolate provided on culture medium.

Send as growth on culture medium (preferred) or on a swab in transport medium.  Chocolate or charcoal media are recommended.  Cultures can be also shipped frozen on dry ice. 

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

For additional guidance on the transport of infectious substances in other languages, please click on the link below.

http://www.who.int/ihr/capacity-strengthening/infectious-substances/en/

Isolates from infants less than 1 month of age with invasive disease due to Streptococcus agalactiae may be submitted.

Completed Isolate Submission Requisition for Streptococcus form including sender lab name, address and telephone number.  Patient age or date of birth, sex, culture reference number, clinical source, date collected and test requested. 

Isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from contacts of infected infants may also be submitted for testing.

Based on the following references and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS).

30 days*

Urgent isolates will be granted priority status and completed as soon as possible.

*Turn around times may not be guaranteed when isolates are submitted in large batches.

1. H.-C Slotved et al. Latex assay for serotyping of Group B Streptococcus Isolates. J Clin Microbiol.  2003;41:4445-4447.
2. Baharak Afshar et al. International External Quality Assurance for laboratory identification and typing of Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococci).  J Clin Microbiol. 2011;49:1475-1482.
3. https://www.ssidiagnostica.com/upload/files/english/brochures/streptococcus/BrochureStrepBLatex54933%20ver%202.pdf

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Streptococcus agalactiae

National case definition: Group B streptococcal disease of the newborn