Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to carry out a systematic epidemiological survey on group B Streptococcus, by using the sample materials obtained from the Hospital Laboratory Center of the Teikyo University during two years (1976-1978).The streptococci obtained from these samples were classified according to the serotypes and their susceptibilities to the various antibiotics were examined.
(1) Group B streptococci were found in 97 out of 24, 073 samples.In other words, 97strains were found.Out of these, 56 strains were discovered in the samples from urine (56/8, 039=0.69 %), 17 in those from the pharynx and sputum (17/7, 681=0.22%), 10 in those from stool (10/2, 528=0.40%), 5 in those from pus (5/2, 532=0.21%), 3 in those from secretion (3/1, 288=0.23%) and6in those from others (6/2, 135=0.28%).That the streptococci were more frequently found in the samples from urine than in those from the pharynx and sputum was statistically significant.
(2) Out of97strains, 21were derived from the pediatric sources, the majority being discovered in the samples from the pharynx and stool.There were no significant differences between adults and children as regards the percentage of the discovery of the bacilli in the samples from the given material.
(3) No strains were resistant to penicillin or cephalosporin derivatives.On the other hand, 67 %and19.6%of the total strains were resistant to tetracycline and chloramphenicol, respectively. Only two strains were resistant to macrolides.
(4) Serologically classified, 28.9% of the total strains belonged to type I c and type III while 21.6%to type II.On the other hand, type I a and type I b were infrequently observed.This was statistically significant.
(5) Whereas few of type I a or I b were resistant to the antibiotics tested, many of type III were resistant to tetracycline and chloramphenicol.The majority of type I c or II was resistant to tetracycline only.
(6) The differences between the present results and those of similar studies in the United States were discussed.
