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A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Colonization of pregnant women and their newborn infants with group-B streptococci

A A Kulkarni1, S G Pawar, C A Dharmadhikari

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Miraj - 416 410, Maharashtra, India.

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|August 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization is low in pregnant women (2.52%) and neonates (1.26%). Neonates did not develop GBS sepsis, and Selective Broth Medium proved superior for sample transport.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of neonatal infections like meningitis and septicaemia.
  • GBS prevalence varies geographically, necessitating local epidemiological data.
  • Understanding GBS colonization in pregnant women and newborns is crucial for infection prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant women and their neonates.
  • To identify colonization sites in neonates.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of different transport media for GBS detection.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 317 pregnant women and their neonates from June 1998 to April 1999.
  • Swabs collected from pregnant women and neonates (throat, ears, nares, umbilicus).
  • Comparison of Selective Broth Medium (SBM) with Stuart transport medium and filter paper for GBS detection.

Main Results:

  • GBS colonization rates were 2.52% in pregnant women and 1.26% in neonates.
  • Neonates showed colonization at multiple sites (throat, ears, nares) shortly after birth and before discharge.
  • Selective Broth Medium (SBM) demonstrated superior performance compared to other transport methods.
  • All GBS isolates were sensitive to Ampicillin, Erythromycin, and Penicillin; resistance was high for Gentamicin, Tetracycline, and Kanamycin.

Conclusions:

  • GBS colonization rates in this cohort were relatively low, and no neonatal sepsis cases were observed.
  • Selective Broth Medium (SBM) is an effective method for transporting GBS samples.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility patterns indicate sensitivity to penicillin-group antibiotics and resistance to others, informing treatment strategies.

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