Raman microspectroscopy differentiates perinatal pathogens on ex vivo infected human fetal membrane tissues

J Biophotonics. 2019 Sep;12(9):e201800449. doi: 10.1002/jbio.201800449. Epub 2019 Jun 19.

Abstract

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a major cause of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis. This study evaluates Raman spectroscopy (RS) to identify spectral characteristics of infection and differentiate GBS from Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus during ex vivo infection of human fetal membrane tissues. Unique spectral features were identified from colonies grown on agar and infected fetal membrane tissues. Multinomial logistic regression analysis accurately identified GBS infected tissues with 100.0% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity. Together, these findings support further investigation into the use of RS as an emerging microbiologic diagnostic tool and intrapartum screening test for GBS carriage.

Keywords: Streptococcus agalactiae; GBS; Group B Streptococcus; Raman spectroscopy; biofilms; chorioamnionitis.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Agar
  • Algorithms
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Chorioamnionitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Escherichia coli
  • Escherichia coli Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Extraembryonic Membranes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Extraembryonic Membranes / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Microbiological Techniques
  • Pregnancy
  • Regression Analysis
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Agar