Colonization with group B streptococci in girls under 16 years of age

Pediatrics. 1977 Oct;60(4):473-6.

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 were 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 less than .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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / analysis
  • Anus Diseases / etiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Pharyngeal Diseases / etiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / isolation & purification
  • Vaginal Diseases / etiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial