Isolation of streptococcus agalactiae from women with uterine tumors

Abstract EN

Streptococcus agalactiae was isolated from eight out of 42 cases of uterine tumors and endometrial hyperplasia from inpatients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy in Basrah Maternity and Child Hospital , due to irregular vaginal bleeding not responding to medical and hormonal treatment.

Six isolates were from uterine tumors, and two from endometrial hyperplasia.

Isolates were identified by being Gram positive, negative for catalase, giving positive CAMP test, ability to grow in 6.5% NaCl but not 40% Bile salts and resistance to Bacitracin. In vitro studies were conducted to investigate virulence factors of isolated S.

agalactiae by testing their ability to produce haemolysin, yellow pigmentation, capsule, resistance to tetracycline which is indicative for the existence of sialic acid (antiphagocytosis material). Measurement of the content of sialic acid and lipotechoic acid revealed differences between isolates. All isolates, were able to adhere to plastic surfaces and formation of biofilms in both neutral (pH=7) and acid (pH=4.5) media.

The present study has recorded for the first time, resistance of four isolates of S.

agalactiae (50%) to Vancomycin.

This finding is worrisome from the clinical point of view, as these isolates may become a potential source for transmission of Vancomycin resistance to other bacteria.