Francis JD, Guevara MA, Lu J, Madhi SA, Kwatra G, Aronoff DM, Manning SD, Gaddy JA.

BMC Microbiol. 2022 Jan 13;22(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s12866-021-02428-3.

Background

Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an encapsulated gram-positive bacterial pathobiont that commonly colonizes the lower gastrointestinal tract and reproductive tract of human hosts. This bacterium can infect the gravid reproductive tract and cause invasive infections of pregnant patients and neonates. Upon colonizing the reproductive tract, the bacterial cell is presented with numerous nutritional challenges imposed by the host. One strategy employed by the host innate immune system is intoxication of bacterial invaders with certain transition metals such as zinc.