5339. Bacterial culture. Urine. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus). Antimicrobial resistance profile with MIC (if Streptococcus agalactiae is detected)

Bacteriological testing allows detection of Streptococcus agalactiae in urine samples, determination of bacterial quantity, and assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility. Identification of microorganisms is performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry on the MALDI Biotyper sirius IVD System analyzer (Bruker, Germany).

The test is necessary to confirm infection caused by Group B streptococcus and to select effective antibacterial therapy based on bacterial susceptibility. It also enables the physician to monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust therapy in a timely manner if needed.

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus) is a bacterium that commonly colonizes healthy individuals without causing any symptoms. According to various data, 10–40% of women of reproductive age are asymptomatic carriers of this microorganism. However, under certain conditions, particularly during pregnancy, in cases of weakened immunity, or in the presence of chronic diseases, this bacterium may cause urinary tract inflammation or systemic complications.

Group B streptococcus receives particular attention in pregnancy because it is one of the leading causes of infections in newborns. During childbirth, the bacterium may be transmitted from mother to child, which in rare cases can result in serious conditions such as sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia. For this reason, international medical guidelines recommend universal screening for Group B streptococcus carriage in pregnant women at 35–37 weeks of gestation. This simple and timely examination allows preventive measures to be taken in advance to protect the newborn during delivery.

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus, GBS) is a Gram-positive facultative anaerobe that does not form spores. In non-pregnant patients, colonization of the urogenital tract and rectum is generally considered asymptomatic carriage.

Timely detection of the pathogen with antimicrobial susceptibility testing largely determines the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of this condition.

The test uses a midstream morning urine sample collected after thorough hygiene procedures.

Interpretation of bacterial culture results is performed according to international EUCAST and CLSI standards. The results of bacteriological testing must be interpreted by a physician exclusively in the clinical context. They are not a basis for self-prescribing or adjusting treatment.

• For pregnant women – for screening and prevention of neonatal infections.
• For women with symptoms of cystitis, pyelonephritis, or urethritis.
• For patients with frequent or recurrent urinary tract infections.
• For individuals with diabetes mellitus or weakened immunity.
• For newborns and infants – in case of suspected streptococcal infection acquired during childbirth.

• Urine