In newborns, Strep B infections can kill.
They often acquire the bacteria by passing through the birth canal. Streptococcus agalactiae, or Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is present in the microbiome of up to 30% of healthy adults, in which it presents few if any symptoms.
Binghamton University, State University of New York Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Laura Cook recently received a five-year, $1.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study how GBS comes to colonize the birth canal in the first place, which may lead to improved preventative measures. Co-principal investigators include Assistant Professor Tony Davis and Professor Yetrib Hathout from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Director of the Analytical & Diagnostics Laboratory Jennifer Sammakia.
“Infection with Group B Strep often happens within the first three months of life,” Cook explained. “It is one of the most common causes of neonatal sepsis and meningitis.”
Chronic health problems
Women are typically tested for GBS late in their pregnancy and given antibiotics during delivery if the bacteria are detected. While the practice has significantly lowered cases in the first week of a baby’s life, it hasn’t affected the cases that pop up after that period in slightly older babies.
Infants who survive meningitis can develop chronic health problems afterward, Cook said.
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The research project will investigate how the bacteria attach to the vaginal tract and the mechanisms they use to stay there.
“They must sense some sort of environmental cues to tell them where they are. We’re looking at a system of two proteins that sense the environment, the signals they’re sensing, and how those signals are transmitted to allow them to adhere better,” she said.
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