Serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility of group B Streptococcus isolated from neonates in Casablanca

The serotypes and the levels of antibiotic resistance of 59 Streptococcus a galactiae isolates from neonates in Casablanca, from February 1992 to July 1997, were studied. Most of the isolates (86.4%) were recovered from early- onset disease. The serotype distribution was as follows: serotype III 39%; serotype Ia 32.2%; and serotype V 10.2%. All strains were susceptible to pe nicillin G, cefotaxime and ampicillin, whereas 1 strain was resistant to er ythromycin. No high level of resistance to gentamicin was detected. A vacci ne should comprise the most prevalent serotypes and also provide protection against serotype V disease. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns reporte d here support the recommended treatment and prophylaxis of invasive group B Streptococcal disease.