Group B streptococci (GBS) strains evading molecular diagnostics showed novel chromosomal deletions encompassing the CAMP-factor (cfb) encoding gene

Abstract

A highly conserved fragment adjacent to the cfb gene encoding the CAMP factor is the target of PCR-based molecular diagnostic systems for the identification of S. agalactiae (group B streptococci (GBS)). Six PCR-negative, culture-positive GBS strains were whole genome sequenced to assess why they escaped molecular diagnostics. GBS strains did not constitute a clonal cluster and presented variably sized chromosomal deletions (from 7 to 33 kb) which always included the cfb gene, a finding never described before. GBS strains that escape molecular diagnostics are considered rare; however, they can cause false-negative results using molecular diagnostics alone, affecting medical decisions.

Keywords: CAMP factor; GBS; Group B streptococci; Molecular diagnostics; Streptococcus agalactiae; cfb gene.