Colonization With Group B Streptococci in Girls Under 16 Years of Age

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Abstract
Cultures from the vagina, pharynx, and anal canal of 100 healthy girls, 2 months through 15 years of age, were examined for the presence of group B streptococci. Of the 100 participants, 20% were colonized at one or more of these three sites. Pharyngeal colonization was detected in 15% of the girls under 11 years of age and in 5% of those over 11 years of age. Colonization at anogenital sites was observed in 19% of participants under 3 years of age, in 25% of those 11 years of age and older, and in only 4% of those between the ages of 3 and 10 years (P < .025). The concentration of serum antibody directed against the polysaccharide capsular antigen isolated from type III, group B Streptococcus appeared, in part, to be related to increasing age.