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SUMMARYSerotyping, subtyping and genotyping are important tools for epidemiological studies of group B streptococci (GBS). We investigated the genotype distribution of 353 GBS isolates originating from vaginal or rectal carriage to identify capsular serotypes and subtypes based on the surface protein genes of the alpha-like protein (Alp) family. GBS were recovered from 30% of 1176 pregnant women during the period 2007–2009, with a predominance of capsular genotypes III (35%), Ia (20%), V (17%), II (15%), Ib (8%) and IV (5%). The most common Alp gene wasepsilon(26%), followed byrib(22%),alp2(21%),bca(17%) andalp3(14%). Several protein genes were significantly associated (G2=249·635,Pepsilonwith Ia, Ib, IV;bcawith Ib, II;ribwith II, III;alp3with V;alp2with III. High genetic diversity within GBS strains was observed using DNA macrorestriction. Serotypes Ib, II and III demonstrated the greatest genetic heterogeneity and serotype V the lowest heterogeneity (relative frequency coefficient ⩾0·03vs. −0·46, respectively). Macrolide-resistant strains with serotype V andalp3gene, showed higher uniformity in genetic profile. The distribution of serotypes and surface proteins of GBS strains are necessary data to inform the design and formulation of new GBS vaccines for use in Poland and other countries.

We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of pneumonia in intensive care units of Polish hospitals. Among 11,587 patients, there were 191 cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). The incidence of HAP was 5.6%, and that of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was 17.9%. The overall mortality rate was 12.6%, and the mortality rate for patients who received artificial ventilation was 15.0%. The predominant organisms causing HAP and VAP were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and 21.1% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin.