Enriched culture medium test for group B streptococcus infection

Group B streptococcus (GBS, Streptococcus agalactiae), is a Gram positive bacterium found primarily in the gastrointestinal and genital tract. It usually causes no harm to the carrier but in infants, pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, and older adults, GBS can cause invasive disease

The U.K. government has issued a position paper that sets out the reasoning behind Public Health England’s (PHE) position that the use of enriched culture medium to detect group B streptococcus does not have a place within current accepted clinical guidance.

The paper and reasoning can be accessed here.

Posted by Tim Sandle