Evaluation of group B Streptococci colonization rate in pregnant women and their newborn

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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

Abdolkarim Hamedi1, Farideh Akhlaghi, Seyed Javad Seyedi

  • 1Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran.

Acta Medica Iranica
|March 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) rectovaginal colonization affects 6% of pregnant women. GBS transmission to newborns is significant, with over 80% of infants born to carrier mothers becoming colonized.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a primary cause of maternal and neonatal infections.
  • GBS screening during pregnancy is recommended by the CDC.
  • Understanding GBS colonization and transmission is crucial for preventing adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of GBS rectovaginal colonization in pregnant women.
  • To assess the rate of GBS transmission from mothers to their neonates.
  • To identify factors associated with GBS colonization in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 200 pregnant women and their neonates.
  • Collection of rectovaginal samples from mothers and ear/umbilical cord samples from neonates.
  • Microbiological culture techniques were used for GBS detection.

Main Results:

  • The GBS colonization rate was approximately 6% in pregnant women and 5% in neonates.
  • All GBS-positive mothers had premature rupture of membranes (>18 hours).
  • A significant correlation in GBS colonization was observed between mothers and newborns, with >80% of neonates from carrier mothers being colonized.

Conclusions:

  • GBS rectovaginal colonization is prevalent in pregnant women.
  • Premature rupture of membranes is a key factor in GBS-positive pregnancies.
  • High mother-to-neonate transmission rates highlight the importance of screening and potential interventions.

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