Relationship between maternal Group B Streptococcal colonization and gestational vaginal microbiome composition: A...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Obstetrics
• Genomics

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization and vaginal microbiome (VMB) dysbiosis are linked to adverse perinatal outcomes.
• The specific impact of GBS colonization on the maternal VMB remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between GBS colonization and the maternal VMB.
• To identify additional pathogens associated with GBS colonization for potential clinical significance.

Main Methods:

• Vaginal samples from pregnant women were analyzed for GBS and VMB composition using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Diversity analyses and community state type clustering compared GBS-positive and negative groups.
• ANCOM-BC identified differentially abundant microbes (DAMs) associated with GBS colonization.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in overall VMB diversity or community state types were observed between GBS-positive and negative groups.
• Four DAMs (Actinomyces, Shigella, Fenollaria, Gemella) were significantly associated with GBS colonization.
• These DAMs negatively correlated with birth weight and showed potential for predicting premature membrane rupture.

Conclusions:

• Maternal GBS colonization is associated with specific pathogens rather than broad VMB alterations.
• These identified pathogens may function as microbial signatures with clinical utility in pregnancy.