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Streptococcus group B (GBS)--characteristic, occurrence in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Maria Nowakowska1, Przemysława Jarosz-Chobot

  • 1Chair and Department of Microbiology, Silesian Medical University, Katowice. mhnowakowska@wp.pl

Polish Journal of Microbiology
|August 28, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization is more frequent in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, particularly those with poor metabolic control. This highlights a potential risk factor for GBS infections in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant pathogen causing infections in pregnant women, newborns, and adults, often associated with underlying conditions like diabetes mellitus.
  • Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a common predisposing factor for infections, necessitating an understanding of specific bacterial colonization patterns in affected children and adolescents.
  • The carrier state of GBS in individuals with diabetes may increase the risk of developing invasive GBS infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) occurrence in children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
  • To assess the antibiotic susceptibility of GBS strains isolated from this pediatric diabetic population.
  • To investigate the correlation between GBS colonization and metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2000-2002 involving 161 diabetic children/adolescents (5-17 years) and 37 children in a control group.
  • Clinical samples (urine, pharyngeal, and urogenital swabs) were collected to detect GBS.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on isolated GBS strains against ampicillin, erythromycin, and clindamycin.

Main Results:

  • GBS was detected in 22.4% of diabetic children (36/161), with higher prevalence in girls (27.8%) than boys (15.5%).
  • GBS occurrence was significantly higher in diabetic children with insufficient metabolic control or longer diabetes duration (p=0.029).
  • All GBS isolates (40 strains) were susceptible to penicillins, but resistance or moderate sensitivity was noted for erythromycin (4/40) and clindamycin (3/40).

Conclusions:

  • Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus exhibit a higher frequency of GBS colonization compared to non-diabetic controls.
  • Poor metabolic control is associated with increased GBS carriage in this population, indicating a potential risk factor for GBS infections.
  • While penicillin remains effective, monitoring antibiotic resistance patterns for erythromycin and clindamycin is crucial for GBS management in diabetic pediatric patients.

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