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A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
Published on: November 16, 2016
Screening of Group B Streptococcus in pregnancy: A systematic review for the laboratory detection
Valentina Arsić Arsenijević1, Vladimir Gerginić2, Biljana Miličić3
1Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical Mycology Reference Laboratory (MMRL), University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine, Dr Subotića 1, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
Insights
Universal antepartum screening for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is crucial for preventing neonatal infections. Current testing methods show significant variability, necessitating affordable, high-sensitivity tests for widespread use.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Obstetrics
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization affects nearly one-third of pregnant women.
- GBS transmission to newborns can cause severe early-onset infections.
- Current guidelines mandate antepartum screening for GBS, but other pathogens also pose risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review current practices and evidence regarding GBS antepartum screening.
- To identify optimal methods for GBS detection and prevention of neonatal infections.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed.
- The review analyzed 20 studies focusing on GBS prevalence, testing methods, specimen types, and timing.
Main Results:
- A GBS prevalence of 13% was observed across 10,288 patients.
- Prevalence varied significantly based on testing methods (0.2-20.8% for conventional, 37-45% for molecular).
- Only three studies utilized the recommended vaginal/rectal swab method.
Conclusions:
- Heterogeneity in GBS detection and identification limits clinical utility.
- There is a need for universal antepartum screening using affordable, high-sensitivity traditional tests.
Background:
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is important since almost 1/3 of pregnant women are colonized with GBS, and as much as 50% passes to the newborns, sometimes resulting in severe neonatal infections; that is why there are mandatory guidelines for antepartum screening for GBS vaginal/rectal colonization. Also, bacteria other than GBS and yeasts may affect newborns; therefore, an increase in the current knowledge and improving the guidelines related to the prediction and prevention of neonatal early-onset infections are needed.
Methods:
A systematic review was performed to investigate risks, types of specimens, sampling methods, media for GBS recovery, identification tests, gestation week for testing, GBS prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, turnover time for cultures, antigen, and molecular-based tests. A literature search was conducted through the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed.
Results:
A total of 20 studies were identified with 10,288 patients and 1,334 GBS positive (13%). Eight studies were performed in adequate gestation week and revealed prevalence from 0.2 to 20.8% (conventional tests) and 37 to 45% (molecular tests). In only three studies, vaginal/rectal swab recommended by guidelines was applied.
Conclusions:
The heterogeneity of the detection and identification of GBS reduces the scientific and clinical utility of laboratory-based data, and universal antepartum screening with affordable, high-sensitivity traditional tests is needed.
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