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Group B streptococci (GBS) are the major cause of neonatal pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Steps considered to be important in the pathogenesis of this infection include colonization of the rectum and vagina of the mother, aspiration of GBS into the fetal lung during or just prior to delivery, and invasion of GBS into pulmonary epithelial cells. We have previously demonstrated that GBS can invade pulmonary epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro. Adherence of GBS to epithelial cells may play an important role in colonization of the rectum and vagina and constitute a first step in invasion of pulmonary epithelial cells. Because GBS can both adhere to and invade epithelial cells, we have developed two assays for GBS adherence which measure cell surface and not intracellular bacteria. Using these assays, we were able to demonstrate specific adherence of GBS to pulmonary epithelial cells. Adherence levels …