Disease burden, antimicrobial resistance and molecular characterization of invasive group B Streptococcus among non-pregnant adults in Malaysia: A protocol study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) isolated from non-pregnant adults from seven major hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia; the incidence, case-fatality ratio, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, serotype, genotype and distribution of the GBS virulence and pili genes are also investigated. Methods: This multicentre, prospective, observational study is conducted in seven major tertiary hospitals in Malaysia among non-pregnant adults. Simultaneously, a retrospective study is conducted in the selected hospitals with similar approaches. GBS isolates are subjected to phenotyping, serotyping by multiplex PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR-detection of GBS virulence and pilus genes. Seven housekeeping genes are amplified and sequenced for multi-locus sequence typing. Discussion: Findings from the study may contribute to the management of clinical practice to diagnose and prevent GBS related diseases in a timely manner. Prudent use of antibiotics is encouraged by monitoring antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords

• group b streptococcus; incidence; serotype; antimicrobial resistance; virulence gene; multi-locus sequence typing