Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test in pregnancy.

Area of Science:

• Clinical microbiology
• Immunology
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

• The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction test is a recognized screening method for bacterial and fungal infections.
• Previous reports suggested NBT test levels may be falsely elevated during pregnancy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate the reliability of the NBT test for screening infections in pregnant women.
• To compare NBT test results in pregnant women with a normal control population.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 124 pregnant women.
• Comparison of NBT test results between pregnant women and a normal control group.
• Analysis of causes for elevated NBT test levels.

Main Results:

• NBT test results in pregnant women were indistinguishable from those of the normal control population.
• Seven out of eight elevated NBT test levels were attributed to infection or allergy.
• The NBT test demonstrated efficacy in identifying infections during pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• The NBT test is a reliable screening tool for bacterial and fungal infections in febrile pregnant patients.
• The NBT test can be used effectively in pregnant women, similar to its use in the general population.