Rapid method for identification of group B streptococci in neonatal blood cultures

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Abstract
A rapid technique used for the identification of S. agalactiae, Lancefield group B, from the blood cultures of 2 neonatal infants is reported. The method utilized the Phadebact Streptococcus Test System (Pharmacia Diagnostics) and the supernatant from 13 and 14 h blood cultures. Additional studies with simulated neonatal blood cultures revealed that this method was reproducible. Additional studies also revealed that some non-specific agglutination did occur, which could not be eliminated with dithiothreitol, but was visibly reduced by treatment with soluble staphylococcal protein A.