Low morbidity in the surgical patient with group B streptococci

Non-Group A or D beta hemolytic streptococci were identified in the vaginas of 5-11% of prenatal patients. More than 97% of organisms so identified have been found to be specifically Group B beta hemolytic streptococci (GB-BHS). The differences may have been related to seasonal changes. These organisms were found in 5% of preabortion patients--none of whom developed any infectious morbidity even though no therapy was used prior to the abortion. Of 100 gynecologic patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery, 17% had preoperative cultures positive for GB-BHS. However, the morbidity (18%) was the same for the culture-positive and culture-negative patients.