Clonal relationship between U.S. and French serotype V group B streptococcus isolates.

We examined the genetic diversity of serotype V group B streptococcus (GBS) isolates in the Paris area and compared them with the predominant American serotype V clone. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis yielded 11 patterns for 64 French GBS. One pattern was obtained with 60% of the isolates tested and was indistinguishable from that of the predominant American clone.