Invasive group B streptococcal disease: The emergence of serotype V

Abstract

Group B streptococci (GBS) cause invasive disease in neonates, pregnant adults, and nonpregnant adults with underlying or chronic disease. Previous studies found capsular serotypes Ia, Ib, II, and III cause invasive disease. Prospective population-based surveillance of invasive GBS disease was done from June 1992 to June 1993 in metropolitan Atlanta: 279 patients had invasive disease. Of these, 43% were ≤6 months old, and 57% were adults. The incidence among all adults was 7.7/100,000/year, 33% higher than in 1989- 1990 (P