Belfast Trust Licenses Rapid Group B Streptococcus Diagnostic

 Posted by  General news
Sep 302014
 
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A computer-generated image of a group of Clindamycin-resistant Group-B Streptococcus (GBS).

A computer-generated image of a group of Clindamycin-resistant Group-B Streptococcus (GBS). Via CDC Public Health Image Library.

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has licensed its rapid molecular diagnostic for Group B streptococcus to HiberGene Diagnostics Ltd.

Group B streptococcus (GBS, Streptococcus agalactiae) is a common bacterium that infects many humans without obvious symptoms. However, neonatal Group B streptococcal infection is a devastating disease with high mortality. While it can in principle be prevented by administration of antibiotics during labour, availability of a convenient and rapid diagnostic to target high risk groups could reduce over-administration of antibiotics.

Belfast Trust scientists and clinicians selected a Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification method based on their previous success developing a test for Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that causes meningitis (see here). The Group B streptococcus assay is 100% sensitive and 93% specific when compared to direct culture.

Further details of the technology are available here. HiberGene Diagnostics’ website is at www.hibergene.com.