Multidrug Resistant Group B Streptococcus Isolates from Pregnant Women in Delta State, Nigeria

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Group B <i>Streptococci</i> (GBS) are globally recognized as a major risk factor for neonatal infections and various obstetric complications. More so, biofilm formation has been suggested to be important for GBS pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of GBS among pregnant women and their capacity to form biofilm. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A total of 87 pregnant women at 34 to 37 weeks' gestation aged 17-45 years were recruited from 3 healthcare centres in Delta State, Nigeria. Cultures for the isolation of GBS were carried out using recto-vaginal swabs, according to standard microbiological methods. All strains isolated were used for susceptibility tests to various antibiotics as recommended by CLSI using the disk-diffusion method. <b>Results:</b> The overall prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women was 43.6% (38/87). The <u><</u>30 age group had the highest rate of GBS colonization. Resistance to erythromycin and vancomycin was 48.2 and 66.4%, respectively. The fluoroquinolones had the lowest resistant rates with no isolate showing resistance to ofloxacin. Multidrug resistance (MDR) (<u>></u>3 drug classes) was detected in 73.7% (28/38) of the GBS isolates. All GBS isolated in this study were either strong, moderate or weak biofilm producers. However, most 28 (73.7%) were strong biofilm producers. Resistance of GBS isolates to erythromycin and vancomycin, drugs used for treating GBS infection was high. <b>Conclusion:</b> This suggested the importance of testing antimicrobial susceptibilities in GBS colonized pregnant women in order to guide antibiotic therapy and minimize newborn infection and co-morbidity.