A METHOD FOR THE DETECTION OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS (GBS) (STREPTOCOCCUS AGALACTIAE) IN MAMMALS

摘要

A method for the detection of all strains of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) (Streptococcus agalactiae) in a mammal comprises isolating nucleic acid from a biological sample obtained from the mammal, detecting in the isolated nucleic acid a specific target region of GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the GBS ssrA gene, which is indicative of the presence of GBS. The isolated nucleic acid can be contacted with at least one oligonucleotide complementary to the specific target region of the GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA allowing a probe assay to be performed directly on the biological sample. Alternatively, the isolated nucleic acid can be amplified with at least one primer complementary to a specific target region of the GBS ssrA gene or tmRNA in a PCR-based assay. The method according to the invention has the potential to be employed as a screening and/or diagnostic test for use inter alia in hospital laboratories, or as a point-of- care test in various settings where an individual's infection or colonisation by GBS is required without delay.