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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Change in prevalence of group B Streptococcus maternal colonisation in Hong Kong
Michelle H Y Tsui1, Margaret Ip, P C Ng
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Objectives:
To re-examine the prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in our antenatal population, and identify demographic factors associated with carriage.
Design:
Prospective observational study.
Setting:
A tertiary obstetrics unit in Hong Kong.
Participants:
A total of 1002 pregnant women were recruited at the booking clinic in a tertiary obstetrics unit in Hong Kong. High and low vaginal swabs and rectal swabs were taken for group B Streptococcus culture. Demographic data and delivery outcomes of the recruits were analysed.
Results:
The prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in our antenatal population was 10.4%. The majority of carriers were identified by low vaginal swabs (78%), while high vaginal swabs and rectal swabs only identified 31% and 30% of the carriers, respectively. Professional women yielded a higher carrier rate than housewives (21% vs 10%, P=0.03). There was no increase in preterm delivery rate in group B Streptococcus carriers.
Conclusions:
We noted a dramatic increase in the prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in the Hong Kong pregnant population at their booking visit. Professional women had a higher colonisation rate compared to other groups.
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