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[Streptococci group B and pregnancy. Need for routine check-ups?]
B M Andersen1, L B Dahl, J M Maltau
1Mikrobiologisk avdeling, Regionsykehuset i Tromsø.
Summary
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes serious perinatal infections in newborns. Screening pregnant women for GBS can help reduce severe neonatal outcomes and improve infant health.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of perinatal infections, impacting 1-5 infants per 1,000 live births.
- Maternal vaginal colonization with GBS is common (5-25%) and linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes like premature delivery and fetal growth retardation.
Observation:
- GBS colonization can be detected in over 70% of neonates born to colonized mothers.
- High bacterial load in the maternal urogenital tract during pregnancy increases the risk of early-onset GBS disease in newborns.
- The attack rate for GBS infection in colonized neonates is estimated at 1-2%.
Findings:
- Neonatal GBS infection, particularly the early-onset type, has a high case-fatality rate (over 50%) and can lead to permanent neurological damage.
- Maternal IgG antibody concentration may offer protection to the infant, but likely not before 32 weeks of gestation.
- Women unable to produce protective antibodies are at higher risk of having offspring affected by GBS.
Implications:
- Screening for GBS during late pregnancy can potentially moderate the severity and improve outcomes of perinatal infections.
- Integrating GBS screening with vigilant attention to pregnancy irregularities and perinatal complications is crucial for effective management.
- Early detection and intervention strategies are vital to mitigate the risks associated with GBS transmission and neonatal disease.