ABCs Home > Isolate Bank Home > Frequently Asked Questions
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WHAT is the ABCs Isolate Bank?
The Active Bacterial Core Surveillance (ABCs) Isolate Bank is an extensive collection of group A streptococcus, group B streptococcus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates. The isolates were collected through ABCs, an integral part of the Emerging Infections Program (EIP) of the CDC, that has tracked invasive infections caused by group A streptococcus, group B streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae since 1995. This national surveillance system operates in ten states, drawing from a population of over thirty million people.
WHY is it of interest?
The ABCs Isolate Bank contains not only carefully collected and preserved isolates, but also crucial laboratory, clinical, and demographic data that make the strains valuable to researchers. This isolate bank is a unique resource for investigating scientific questions such as pathogenesis of infection, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and development of vaccines.
WHERE are isolates stored?
Isolates are stored in a restricted-access facility in Lawrenceville, GA, with 24-hour monitoring. All specimen storage units are equipped with computerized climate control sensors and are regularly monitored. The shipping and handling process is also executed with maximum professionalism and detailed care.
HOW can I or my institution have access to the isolates?
Request isolates via email at ABCsIsolateBank@cdc.gov , by phone (770-339-5949), or by fax (770-339-5943) to receive official instructions on how to request isolates, along with a description of isolates and parameters.Requests for isolates are reviewed by the isolate bank custodians (at CDC) prior to approval and release of the isolates. The CDC strictly enforces a limited distribution policy that prohibits the secondary distribution of ABCs isolates to third-party researchers.
WHICH data are available?
Group A streptococcus
- Year of isolation
- emm type and presence/absence of sof gene
- Presence/absence of severe infections (e.g., necrotizing fasciitis or streptoccal toxic shock syndrome)
- Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing results to commonly used antibiotics
Group B streptococcus
- Year of isolation
- Age group
- Source (CSF, blood, other)
- Pregnancy status
- Serotype
- MIC testing results to commonly used antibiotics
Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Year of isolation
- Age groups
- Source (CSF, blood, other)
- Serotype
- MIC testing results to commonly used antibiotics