Virulence and pathogenicity of group B Streptococcus: Virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infection
This review summarizes key virulence factors associated with group B Streptococcus (GBS), a significant pathogen particularly affecting pregnant women, fetuses, and infants. Beginning with an introduction to the historical transition of GBS from a zoonotic pathogen to a prominent cause of human infe...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Virulence |
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| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/21505594.2025.2451173 |
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| author | Christina J. Megli Sophia M. Carlin Elizabeth J. Giacobe Gideon H. Hillebrand Thomas A. Hooven |
| author_facet | Christina J. Megli Sophia M. Carlin Elizabeth J. Giacobe Gideon H. Hillebrand Thomas A. Hooven |
| author_sort | Christina J. Megli |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This review summarizes key virulence factors associated with group B Streptococcus (GBS), a significant pathogen particularly affecting pregnant women, fetuses, and infants. Beginning with an introduction to the historical transition of GBS from a zoonotic pathogen to a prominent cause of human infections, particularly in the perinatal period, the review describes major disease manifestations caused by GBS, including sepsis, meningitis, chorioamnionitis, pneumonia, and others, linking each to specific virulence mechanisms. A detailed exploration of the genetic basis for GBS pathogenicity follows, emphasizing the roles of capsules in pathogenesis and immune evasion. The paper also examines the molecular structures and functions of key GBS surface proteins, such as pili, serine-rich repeat proteins, and fibrinogen-binding proteins, which facilitate colonization and disease. Additionally, the review discusses the significance of environmental sensing and response systems, like the two-component systems, in adapting GBS to different host environments. We conclude by addressing current efforts in vaccine development, underscoring the need for effective prevention strategies against this pervasive pathogen. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-be9c26d549be44659c7580151a707e04 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2150-5594 2150-5608 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-12-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Virulence |
| spelling | doaj-art-be9c26d549be44659c7580151a707e042025-01-23T09:09:22ZengTaylor & Francis GroupVirulence2150-55942150-56082025-12-0116110.1080/21505594.2025.2451173Virulence and pathogenicity of group B Streptococcus: Virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infectionChristina J. Megli0Sophia M. Carlin1Elizabeth J. Giacobe2Gideon H. Hillebrand3Thomas A. Hooven4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USADepartment of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USADepartment of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USADepartment of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USADepartment of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USAThis review summarizes key virulence factors associated with group B Streptococcus (GBS), a significant pathogen particularly affecting pregnant women, fetuses, and infants. Beginning with an introduction to the historical transition of GBS from a zoonotic pathogen to a prominent cause of human infections, particularly in the perinatal period, the review describes major disease manifestations caused by GBS, including sepsis, meningitis, chorioamnionitis, pneumonia, and others, linking each to specific virulence mechanisms. A detailed exploration of the genetic basis for GBS pathogenicity follows, emphasizing the roles of capsules in pathogenesis and immune evasion. The paper also examines the molecular structures and functions of key GBS surface proteins, such as pili, serine-rich repeat proteins, and fibrinogen-binding proteins, which facilitate colonization and disease. Additionally, the review discusses the significance of environmental sensing and response systems, like the two-component systems, in adapting GBS to different host environments. We conclude by addressing current efforts in vaccine development, underscoring the need for effective prevention strategies against this pervasive pathogen.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/21505594.2025.2451173Group B streptococcusStreptococcus agalactiaeneonatologysepsispneumoniameningitis |
| spellingShingle | Christina J. Megli Sophia M. Carlin Elizabeth J. Giacobe Gideon H. Hillebrand Thomas A. Hooven Virulence and pathogenicity of group B Streptococcus: Virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infection Virulence Group B streptococcus Streptococcus agalactiae neonatology sepsis pneumonia meningitis |
| title | Virulence and pathogenicity of group B Streptococcus: Virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infection |
| title_full | Virulence and pathogenicity of group B Streptococcus: Virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infection |
| title_fullStr | Virulence and pathogenicity of group B Streptococcus: Virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infection |
| title_full_unstemmed | Virulence and pathogenicity of group B Streptococcus: Virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infection |
| title_short | Virulence and pathogenicity of group B Streptococcus: Virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infection |
| title_sort | virulence and pathogenicity of group b streptococcus virulence factors and their roles in perinatal infection |
| topic | Group B streptococcus Streptococcus agalactiae neonatology sepsis pneumonia meningitis |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/21505594.2025.2451173 |
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