Differences in maternal group B Streptococcus screening rates in Latin American countries

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
• Effective prevention strategies include prenatal GBS screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.
• Limited data exist on GBS screening practices and colonization prevalence in Latin America.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine maternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening rates and outcomes in Latin American countries.
• To identify sociodemographic factors associated with GBS screening and colonization.
• To assess the impact of GBS screening rates on neonatal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study using de-identified records from six Latin American countries (2009-2012).
• Analysis of 460,328 pregnant women's records.
• Logistic regression used to determine associations between demographic variables and GBS screening/colonization.

Main Results:

• Maternal GBS screening rates were below 15% in most countries, except Uruguay (>65%).
• Lower screening rates correlated with significantly increased odds of neonatal sepsis and pneumonia.
• Higher GBS colonization rates were observed in Black women, older women, and those without primary education.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for national policies and investments to enhance maternal GBS screening in Latin America.
• Further research is required to understand GBS colonization prevalence and burden of neonatal GBS disease.
• Findings support the future introduction of a maternal GBS vaccine.