Analysis of serotype distribution and characteristics of nonhemolytic and nonpigmented strains among group B Streptococcus isolates in a southern Taiwan local hospital.

Purpose: Group B streptococci (GBS) are Gram-positive bacteria that are a leading cause of neonatal infections. Most invasive isolates are β-hemolytic, and hemolytic activity is critical for GBS virulence. Although nonhemolytic GBS strains are occasionally isolated, they are often thought to be attenuated in virulence.