STREPTOCOCCUS AGALACTIAE CELLS, HEAT-INACTIVATED

Heat-killed Streptococcus agalactiae cells in dextran solution. Antigen is intended for use as a positive control in immunoassay development for Streptococcus detection.

PRODUCT DETAILS – STREPTOCOCCUS AGALACTIAE CELLS, HEAT-INACTIVATED

• Heat-killed Streptococcus agalactiae cells, genus specific in dextran solution.
• Part of the BacTrace® range of antigens and antibodies.
• This product is ideally suited for use as a positive control in immunoassays designed for the detection of Streptococcus. It provides verification of the functionality of the assay system.
• Product is considered non-hazardous as defined by The Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus agalactiae (also known as group B streptococcus or GBS) is a gram-positive coccus (round bacterium) with a tendency to form chains (as reflected by the genus name Streptococcus). It is a beta-hemolytic, catalase-negative, and facultative anaerobe. It is surrounded by a bacterial capsule composed of polysaccharides (exopolysacharide). The species is subclassified into ten serotypes (Ia, Ib, II–IX) depending on the immunologic reactivity of their polysaccharide capsule. GBS is a harmless commensal bacterium being part of the human microbiota colonizing the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract of up to 30% of healthy human adults (asymptomatic carriers). Nevertheless, GBS can cause severe invasive infections especially in newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. S. agalactiae is also a common veterinary pathogen, because it can cause bovine mastitis (inflammation of the udder) in dairy cows and is an important source of economic loss for the industry. GBS in cows can either produce an acute febrile disease or a subacute more chronic condition. Both lead to diminishing milk production (hence its name: agalactiae meaning ‘of no milk’) (Edwards & Baker, 2010).

REFERENCES

• Edwards MS, Baker CJ (2010). “Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus)”. In Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R (eds.). Principles and practice of infectious diseases (7th. ed.). Elsevier. pp. Cap. 202.
• Keefe GP. Streptococcus agalactiae mastitis: a review. Can Vet J. 1997;38(7):429-437.
• Whiley RA, Hardie JM (2009). Genus I. Streptococcus Rosenbach 1884. Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology: Vol 3: The Firmicutes (2nd ed.). Springer. pp. 655–711.