Rapid detection of Group B streptococcus directly from vaginal–rectal specimens using liquid swabs and the BD Max GBS assay

摘要

Abstract Objective We adapted the BD Max GBS assay, an automated platform for the detection of Group B streptococcus (GBS) DNA in vaginal–rectal swab specimens after LIM broth enrichment, to directly detect GBS in specimens collected using cellular foam swabs in Amies liquid medium. We compared the BD Max GBS assay performance to that of enriched culture and the BD GeneOhm StrepB assay. Methods Seventy-two reference vaginal–rectal specimens were employed to determine the limit of GBS detection and the preferred test volume for direct detection of GBS. A total of 304 clinical specimens were then tested by the optimized BD Max GBS assay, both by direct testing and following broth enrichment. Results The limit of GBS detection was 75?CFU/mL and the preferred test volume was 100 μL. Of 304 clinical specimens tested, GBS was detected in 62 specimens by enriched culture (20.4%); 61 of these yielded GBS by the BD Max GBS assay when performed directly from the liquid swab (sensitivity 98.4%). All 242 culture-negative specimens also yielded negative results by the BD Max GBS assay (specificity 100%). When this assay was performed following broth enrichment, GBS was detected in all 62 culture-positive specimens (100% sensitivity). The sensitivity and specificity of the BD GeneOhm StrepB assay was 90.3% and 99%, respectively. Conclusions The BD Max GBS assay is highly sensitive, requires minimal technical skill with