Group B streptococcus: prevalence in a non-obstetric population

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that can cause infections.
• Vaginitis is a prevalent condition affecting women of reproductive age.
• Understanding GBS colonization in nonobstetric women is crucial for reproductive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare the prevalence of GBS vaginal colonization in nonobstetric women with and without vaginitis.
• To identify factors associated with GBS colonization in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of GBS vaginal cultures from 215 nonpregnant women aged 18+.
• Women were categorized into three groups: no vaginitis, common vaginitis (CV), or inflammatory vaginitis (IV).
• Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of GBS colonization.

Main Results:

• Overall GBS prevalence was 22.8%.
• Vaginitis was associated with a significantly increased risk of GBS colonization (CV: aOR=2.7, IV: aOR=2.9).
• Predictors of GBS included elevated vaginal pH (>4.5), abnormal discharge, and current symptoms.

Conclusions:

• GBS colonization is more frequent in women with vaginitis.
• Disruption of the normal vaginal bacterial environment is a significant predictor for GBS colonization.
• These findings highlight the importance of vaginal health in GBS carriage.