Phagetypes of human and bovine Streptococcus agalactiae isolates in Slovenia.

In two rural areas 34 human (colonization) and 2 bovine (mastitis) Str. agalactiae strains were isolated. Identical serotypes and phagetypes in persons and cows were established: serotype R with phagetype 14/27/30/31 in two persons and one cow from two neighbouring villages, and serotype Ic with phagetype 4/12/16/18/20 in a child and a cow from the same household. Identical serotypes and phagetypes were also found in two married couples and in members of other families. Serotypes with phagetypes confirm the transmission of Str. agalactiae from person to person, but also show, that the transmission from cows to humans might be possible.