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Updated: Dec 10, 2025
A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Meta-analysis on prevalence of vaginal group B streptococcus colonization and preterm births in India
Nancy Ashary1, Abhishek Singh1,2, Karisma Chhabria1
1Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mumbai, India.
Insights
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in pregnant Indian women is linked to a higher risk of preterm birth. Universal GBS screening is recommended for early intervention and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Preterm birth is a significant contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality.
- Vaginal colonization by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a known risk factor for preterm birth.
- The prevalence and impact of GBS colonization in the Indian context are under-recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant Indian women.
- To assess the association between GBS colonization and preterm birth risk in India.
- To inform public health strategies for managing GBS in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 Indian studies (1981-2019) involving 9778 cases.
- Inclusion of studies reporting GBS prevalence in the Indian population.
- Analysis of data from online search tools.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant Indian women was 7.8%, with significant heterogeneity.
- Prevalence varied by detection method: 7.4% (culture) vs. 11.6% (immunological methods).
- GBS colonization was associated with a significantly higher risk of preterm delivery (OR 7.9).
Conclusions:
- Despite lower prevalence compared to Western populations, GBS colonization poses a higher relative risk for preterm birth in Indian women.
- Implementation of universal GBS screening programs is crucial.
- Screening should precede intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for women experiencing preterm birth.
Objective:
Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Vaginal colonization of Group B Streptococci (GBS) is associated with increased risk of preterm birth. However, the association of GBS colonization and preterm births in the Indian context remains an unrecognized problem.
Data Sources:
Data was collected using various online search tools from 36 (1981-2019) Indian studies comprising 9778 cases.
Method Of Study Selection:
Studies reporting the prevalence of GBS colonization in the Indian population were included.
Tabulation, Integration, And Results:
The prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant Indian women was estimated to be 7.8% (763/9778) with wide heterogeneity across studies. The prevalence of GBS was 7.4% when culture methods were used and 11.6% with use of immunological methods. The detection rate of GBS almost doubled when enrichment was used in the culture method (8.1 vs. 5%). The risk of preterm delivery was higher (OR 7.9) among women with GBS colonization as compared to those without GBS.
Conclusions:
As compared to the western population, there is low prevalence of GBS colonization among Indian pregnant women; however, the risk of preterm births with GBS colonization is higher. There is a need to implement a universal GBS screening program prior to intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis in women experiencing preterm births.
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