[Evaluation of ITS-PCR and PCR MP techniques for Streptococcus agalactiae genetic differentiation].

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ITS-PCR and PCR MP methods for genotyping of S. agalactiae strains isolated from women in reproductive age.

Methods: In the course of the study 250 strains of S. agalactiae were isolated and their serotype was identified. The ITS-PCR and PCR MP methods allowed to differentiate 20 strains and then the correlation between the serotypes of the tested isolates and their geno- type was evaluated.

Results: Among 250 strains of S. agalactiae the following serotypes were identified as the most common: III (54%), Ia (17%) and V (12%). Also other serotypes have been found: IV (8%), Ib (5%) and II (4%). PCR MP has a higher discriminative power than the ITS-PCR and it allowed for the efficient differentiation of strains. There is no direct relationship between genotypes and serotypes ofS. agalactiae.

Conclusions: PCR MP is useful in the differentiation of S. agalactiae. Exactly as in the case of RAPD and PFGE methods, PCR MP can be used for thediagnosis and analysis of GBS isolates colonization. This method is also used for successful genotyping of other microbial species, often closely related ones, as well as in epidemiological studies.