9- ISOLATION OF 9-STREPTOCOCCUS AGALACTIAE FROM WOMEN WITH UTERINE TUMORS

Abstract

Streptococcus agalactiae was isolated from eight out of 42 cases of uterine tumors andendometrial hyperplasia from inpatients underwent total abdominal hysterectomy in BasrahMaternity and Child Hospital, due to irregular vaginal bleeding not responding to medical andhormonal treatment. Six isolates were from uterine tumors, and two from endometrialhyperplasia. Isolates were identified by being Gram positive, negative for catalase, givingpositive CAMP test, ability to grow in 6.5% NaCl but not 40% Bile salts and resistance toBacitracin.In vitro studies were conducted to investigate virulence factors of isolated S. agalactiae bytesting their ability to produce haemolysin, yellow pigmentation, capsule, resistance totetracycline which is indicative for the existence of sialic acid (antiphagocytosis material).Measurement of the content of sialic acid and lipotechoic acid revealed differences betweenisolates.All isolates, were able to adhere to plastic surfaces and formation of biofilms in both neutral(pH=7) and acid (pH=4.5) media. The present study has recorded for the first time, resistance offour isolates of S. agalactiae (50%) to Vancomycin. This finding is worrisome from the clinicalpoint of view, as these isolates may become a potential source for transmission of Vancomycinresistance to other bacteria.