Group B-beta haemolytic streptococcal colonization in women using intrauterine contraceptive devices

Two-hundred-and-eighteen gynaecological patients were screened for group B-beta haemolytic streptococci (GBS) colonization of the vagina, cervix, urethra and rectum. The overall colonization rate was 17%. There is no relation between the rate of colonization and the patient's age or parity. The colonization rate among the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) users (31%) is significantly higher than the non-users (14.5%). The IUCD does not cause GBS vaginal colonization. Nevertheless, its presence helps the microorganisms' vertical spread through the cervical canal. The short duration of IUCD use among the Saudi patients may have provided a protective mechanisms against the development of PID. All the four sites were colonized in the IUCD users and only in 8.1% of the non-users. The urethra was the most common site involved in both groups (83.8%). A higher incidence of GBS colonization was found among patients presenting with excessive vaginal discharge as the main complaint. The presence of excessive vaginal discharge is a significant factor towards the spread of the microorganism to the cervix and urethra. Therefore, an IUCD user with excessive vaginal discharge has a higher chance of getting cervical and urethral colonization.