Comparison of the AmpliVue, BD max system, and illumigene molecular assays for detection of group B Streptococcus in antenatal screening specimens

Abstract

The performances of the AmpliVue, BD Max, and illumigene group B Streptococcus (GBS) nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) were compared to that of enriched culture for detection of GBS in antenatal screening specimens. Two hundred specimens were tested simultaneously with the NAATs, following 18 to 24 h of Lim broth enrichment; 15% of specimens were culture positive for GBS, whereas 31.5% were positive by at least one NAAT. All three NAATs were more sensitive (sensitivity, 90.9 to 100%) than culture (sensitivity, 53.6%).