[Group B-streptococci in the female genitals (author's transl)].

Swabs taken from the vagina, cervix and urethra of 152 women without any clinical signs of infection were studied for the presence of group B streptococci. 36.8% of these women were found to have group B streptococci in their genital tract. Isolation of streptococci took place by way of enrichment and selective culturing, determination of biochemical criteria as well as serological grouping and typing. Streptococci of human or animal origin which may be identified by precipitating group B antiserum were found to be identical. There were no criteria for a differentiation between human and animal (bovine) group B strains. Epidemiological associations between human infections and the consumption of raw milk containing galt streptococci have never been confirmed. Group B streptococci are present indepently in animals and humans. In humans, they may be present as saprophytes in the throat and female genitals and also cause severe disease like endocarditis and meningitis. There is no proof of the etiologic role as an agent of zooanthroponoses.