Serotype distribution of invasive group B streptococcal isolates in infants: results from a nationwide active laboratory surveillance study over 2 years in Germany.

We report the serotype distribution of invasive group B streptococci (GBS) isolated from 296 infants in Germany. Serotype distribution was as follows: serotype Ia, 15%; Ib, 5%; II, 5%; III, 65%; IV, 1%; and V, 8%. Analysis of serotype according to the source of isolation highlighted the considerable role of serotype III in meningitis in early-onset infection (82%) and late-onset infection (84%). Use of a trivalent GBS vaccine in Germany could theoretically provide protection against 84% and 94% of invasive early-onset and late-onset infections, respectively.