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Updated: Dec 4, 2025
A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Incidence and outcome of group B streptococcal invasive disease in Omani infants
Eman Al Masroori1, Wafa Bani Uraba1, Hilal Al Hashami1
1Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
Insights
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) sepsis incidence in Omani infants under 3 months is 0.46 per 1000 live births. The study highlights the need for cost-effectiveness analysis before implementing national GBS screening programs.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes significant infant morbidity and mortality globally.
- GBS is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis.
- Understanding local incidence is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of GBS sepsis in Omani infants (<3 months) at Royal Hospital.
- To describe the clinical presentation and complications of GBS sepsis in this cohort.
- To inform future public health strategies regarding GBS in Oman.
Main Methods:
- Observational retrospective chart review.
- Inclusion of all Omani infants (0-3 months) diagnosed with GBS sepsis/meningitis from 2006-2016.
- Data collection from Royal Hospital, Muscat.
Main Results:
- Overall neonatal GBS incidence was 0.46 per 1000 live births (95% CI).
- 43 culture-proven GBS infections were identified.
- Case mortality rate was 7.0% (3 deaths).
Conclusions:
- Omani GBS incidence aligns with international data from screened populations.
- Current evidence suggests maternal screening may not be cost-effective in Oman.
- Further cost-effectiveness studies are recommended before national screening implementation.
Objectives:
Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection is a serious disease that continues to cause high morbidity and mortality. It is one of the leading cause of sepsis; particularly meningitis, in infants and young children all around the world. In this study, we aim to identify the incidence of GBS sepsis in Omani infants less than 3 months of age who were born at Royal Hospital and who presented with clinical sepsis and positive culture. In addition, we aim to describe the clinical presentation and complications noted on admission and then on follow-up visit.
Methods:
This is an observational retrospective chart review study. It included all Omani infants (0-3 months) who were diagnosed to have GBS sepsis/meningitis from 2006 to 2016 at the Royal Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
Results:
There were 83,000 live births in the Royal Hospital over a period of 10 years. Thirty-eight babies had culture proven GBS infection, with an overall incidence rate of neonatal GBS of 0.46 per 1000 live births with 95% confidence intervals. There were no significant variations in the annual rates of infection during the study period, ranging from around 1-7 cases per year. Additional 5 cases of GBS sepsis presented to Royal Hospital are either through Emergency Department or as referrals from other hospitals, giving us a total of 43 cases of proven GBS infections. Out of the 43 cases, 8 were born prematurely (19%), either before (<34 weeks, n = 2) or during (34-36 weeks, n = 6). Term babies were 35 out of 43 with percentage of 81% of the total. Three died, resulting in a case mortality of 7.0%.
Conclusion:
Our GBS incidence is comparable to that of screened population internationally. At the time being, with the best available results, maternal screening might not seem cost effective in our current settings. A cost effective study is required before implemented a national screening programme in the Country. However, this research will definitely help in the process of any future plans of implantation of new guidelines, as it can be used as leading point for future prospective studies.
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