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Is group B streptococcal screening during pregnancy justified?
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|March 1, 1985
Summary
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) carriage in pregnant women was identified in 28% of cases. Rectal swabs during pregnancy accurately predicted GBS carriage at term, aiding in predicting transmission risks.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of neonatal sepsis.
- Understanding GBS carriage during pregnancy is crucial for preventing vertical transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of GBS carriage in pregnant women.
- To identify predictors of maternal GBS carriage at term and intrapartum GBS carriage.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of screening methods for GBS in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Investigated GBS carriage in pregnant women using rectal and vaginal swabs.
- Utilized broth enrichment for GBS detection.
- Correlated carriage rates with gestational age and specimen type.
Main Results:
- Twenty-eight percent of pregnant women were GBS carriers.
- Broth enrichment significantly increased GBS detection rates.
- Rectal carriage at term was the strongest predictor of maternal GBS carriage.
- Combined rectal and vaginal swabs at 28 and 36 weeks predicted 92% of intrapartum GBS carriage.
Conclusions:
- Accurate prediction of intrapartum GBS carriage is feasible using specific swab timing and sites.
- Routine mass screening for GBS in pregnancy may not be cost-effective in low-incidence settings for neonatal sepsis.