Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus Colonization and Invasive Infection in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant pathogen causing neonatal infections globally.
• Data on the burden of GBS colonization and invasive disease in Nigeria are limited.
• Understanding GBS prevalence, serotypes, and sequence types is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically synthesize the burden of GBS colonization and invasive disease in Nigeria.
• To determine the prevalence, serotypes, and sequence types (STs) of GBS in the Nigerian population.
• To identify regional variations and vulnerable populations for GBS infection.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, etc.) and Google Scholar.
• Random-effects model used to estimate pooled prevalence of GBS colonization.

Main Results:

• Pooled prevalence of GBS colonization in Nigeria was 12.0%, with higher rates in Southern (13.0%) versus Northern Nigeria (9.0%).
• Neonatal colonization rate was 16.0%; pregnant women showed 13.0% colonization, with no significant association with HIV status.
• Invasive GBS disease was rare (3.0%), exclusively observed in neonates; serotypes V and II, and STs 19, 182, and 28 were predominant.

Conclusions:

• GBS colonization is prevalent in Nigeria, exhibiting regional disparities and posing a significant risk to neonates.
• Substantial gaps in national GBS surveillance exist, with nineteen states lacking data.
• Strengthening prevention, expanding surveillance, and implementing maternal screening and immunization are vital to reduce GBS burden.