A rapid CAMP test for the presumptive identification of Streptococcus agalactiae (Lancefield group B) is described. Sheep erythrocytes, sensitized by staphylococcal beta-lysin and suspended in phosphate-buffered saline, were used to determine the lytic capacity of the neutralized supernatant fluids of 4-h broth cultures of streptococci being tested. A total of 96.2% of 130 group B streptococci ...

The CAMP (Christie-Atkins-Munch-Petersen) test is commonly used for the presumptive identification of Streptococcus agalactiae (Lancefield group B). Using 350 clinical isolates of beta-hemolytic streptococci, we compared a 30-min spot CAMP test with the standard overnight CAMP test and the Lancefield precipitin test. We found 99% agreement among all three tests for all streptococci tested. The ...

The carbohydrates of whole cells of group A, B, C, D, F, and G streptococci were analyzed with a highly sensitive gas chromatographic procedure. Characteristic chromatographic fingerprints were obtained for each group of streptococci grown in broth cultures or as single colonies on a blood agar plate. Rhamnose, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine were major components of all the groups. Groups A, ...