Meningitis and bacteremia by nonhemolytic Group B Streptococcus strain: A whole genome analysis

Abstract

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal infections. Most isolates are beta-hemolytic, and their activity is considered to be pivotal for GBS pathogenicity. We report a case of a neonate with meningitis caused by nonhemolytic GBS. The patient developed meningitis 3 days after birth. Genotyping was performed and the characteristics of the strain (GCMC97051) identified by whole genome sequence using next generation sequencing. GCMC97051 possesses genetic alterations such as disruption ofcylAby IS1381Ainsertion and a frameshift mutation incylE, resulting in a lack of hemolysis. Thus, nonhemolytic GBS can retain the potential to cause invasive infections.