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A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Clinical Risk Factors Associated With Late-Onset Invasive Group B Streptococcal Disease: Systematic Review and
Konstantinos Karampatsas1, Hannah Davies1, Maren Mynarek2
1Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group, Institute of Infection and Immunity, St. George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
Insights
Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection causes late-onset GBS disease (LOGBS) in infants. Key risk factors include prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal colonization, highlighting areas for future vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Infectious Diseases
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection is a major cause of late-onset GBS disease (LOGBS) in young infants.
- Understanding transmission routes and risk factors for LOGBS is crucial for prevention strategies.
- Current knowledge gaps hinder effective interventions against GBS infections in newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze reported clinical risk factors for late-onset GBS disease (LOGBS).
- To determine pooled estimates of risk associated with identified clinical factors.
- To inform future research and prevention efforts for GBS infections in infants.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 27 articles reporting 5315 cases of LOGBS.
- Meta-analysis to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) for risk factors.
- Inclusion of factors such as prematurity, low birth weight, maternal colonization, and multiple-gestation pregnancies.
Main Results:
- Prematurity (OR 5.66; 95% CI: 4.43-7.22) and low birth weight (OR 6.73; 95% CI: 4.68-9.67) significantly increased LOGBS risk.
- Maternal GBS colonization (OR 2.67; 95% CI: 2.07-3.45) and multiple-gestation pregnancies (OR 8.01; 95% CI: 5.19-12.38) were also associated with higher LOGBS risk.
- These factors collectively represent significant contributors to infant GBS infections.
Conclusions:
- Prematurity, low birth weight, and maternal colonization are identified as major risk factors for LOGBS.
- Findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and preventative measures for GBS.
- Future GBS vaccine development should consider optimal timing during pregnancy to protect preterm infants.
Background:
Group B streptococcal (GBS) infection remains one of the most significant causes of late-onset sepsis and meningitis (LOGBS) among young infants. However, transmission routes and risk factors for LOGBS are not yet fully understood.
Methods:
We conducted systematic reviews on clinical risk factors previously reported in the literature (prematurity, low birth weight [<2500 g], antenatal colonization, multiple-gestation pregnancy, maternal age <20 years, male infant sex, intrapartum fever, prolonged rupture of membranes) and meta-analyses to determine pooled estimates of risk.
Results:
We included 27 articles, reporting 5315 cases. Prematurity (odds ratio [OR] 5.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.43-7.22), low birth weight (OR 6.73; 95% CI: 4.68-9.67), maternal colonization (2.67; [2.07-3.45]), and multiple-gestation pregnancies (OR 8.01; 95% CI: 5.19-12.38) were associated with an increased risk of LOGBS.
Conclusions:
Prematurity/low birth weight and maternal colonization are major risk factors for LOGBS. Future GBS vaccine studies should try to establish the optimal time for vaccination during pregnancy to protect preterm infants.
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