Detection of group B streptococcal antigen in early-onset and late-onset group B streptococcal disease with the Wellcogen Strep B latex agglutination test

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Thw Wellcogen Strep B latex agglutination test was evaluated as a method of detecting group B streptococcal antigen in urine, CSF, and serum from neonates with early-onset (.ltoreq. 7 days of age) and late-onset group B streptococcal disease. Urine was the best source of antigen, which was detected in 100% of 6 neonates with early-onset group B streptococcal disease who had urine available in the first 12 h of illness and in 88% of 17 group B streptococcus-infected neonates with urine available in the first 48 h of illness. Antigen was not detected in any samples from patients without group B streptococcal disease except in the urine of 1 patient with Proteus mirabilis meningitis. The Wellcogen Strep B latex test of the lot tested compares favorably with a noncommercially available latex agglutination test.