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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus (GBS)) colonisation and persistence, in pregnancy; a comparison of
R T Mavenyengwa1, P Masunga, E Meque
1Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare.
Objective:
To establish the extent of GBS colonisation, persistence of colonisation in pregnancy and influence of obstetric history in two diverse communities (rural and urban) in Zimbabwe.
Design:
Cross sectional survey.
Setting:
Rutsanana Clinic in Highfield, Harare (representing the urban area) and Chitsungo Mission Hospital in Lower Guruve, (representing the rural area).
Subjects:
300 and 100 pregnant women from the urban and rural areas respectively.
Main Outcome Measures:
GBS colonisation and persistence rates for both urban and rural areas were established, together with pregnancy outcome.
Results:
Mother colonisation rate was significantly higher in the rural areas (60%) as compared to the urban areas (46%). GBS colonisation persistence was evidently more in rural (48%) that in urban women (12%). Baby colonisation was also more in the rural (23%) that in urban area (5%). In both the rural and urban areas, flu-like illness was a common feature and was equally reported by the subjects. Vaginal discharge requiring treatment, previous stillbirths and previous miscarriages were equally reported in both communities.
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