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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Rectal colonization by group B Streptococcus as a predictor of vaginal colonization
Leslie A Meyn1, Marijane A Krohn, Sharon L Hillier
1Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this article was to describe rectal colonization by group B Streptococcus (GBS) and its role in the prediction of vaginal colonization.
Study Design:
In this prospective cohort of 1248 nonpregnant women, vaginal and rectal swabs for GBS culture were obtained at enrollment and at three 4-month intervals. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors that are associated with colonization.
Results:
Eight hundred fourteen (65%) women had GBS colonization sometime during the observation period. Rectal GBS colonization was the strongest predictor of vaginal colonization (adjusted odds ratio, 14.3; 95% CI, 11.9-17.1). Recent sexual intercourse, vaginal colonization with yeast, and a vaginal Nugent score >/= 4 were also independent determinants of vaginal GBS colonization. Antimicrobial use decreased vaginal GBS colonization only among women who had no rectal colonization.
Conclusion:
GBS in the gastrointestinal tract is a risk factor for vaginal GBS. Sexual activity and abnormal vaginal microflora are independent determinants of vaginal GBS colonization.
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