[Submicroscopic aspects of the adherence of group B streptococci to vaginal epithelial cells].

The submicroscopic structure of surfaces in the streptococci of group B, type III (strain 13/63) and the ultrastructure of the interaction of this streptococcus strain with human vaginal cells were studied. The surface of the majority of B streptococci was smooth after using the conventional fixing techniques of electron microscopy; however, about 25% of streptococcal cells had an additional layer of filamentous protrusions on their surface. A marked layer of capsular material was visualized by means of the preincubation of this streptococcus strain with a type-specific antiserum.