Group B streptococcal carriage in Nigeria

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Clinical Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant pathogen, particularly in perinatal and neonatal infections.
• Understanding GBS carriage rates is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
• Previous data on GBS prevalence in specific populations in Ibadan, Nigeria, was limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of GBS colonization among various patient groups in Ibadan.
• To identify specific patient demographics with higher GBS carriage rates.
• To characterize the serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of GBS strains.

Main Methods:

• Screening of 1038 patients from different age groups and clinical conditions at three Ibadan hospitals.
• Data collection on GBS colonization rates across pregnant women, STD patients, adult males, and newborns.
• Serotyping of GBS isolates, with a focus on Type III, and assessment of antibiotic sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Overall GBS colonization rate was 12.7% (132/1038 patients).
• Higher colonization rates observed in pregnant women (19.3% first/second trimester, 17.6% third trimester) and STD patients (19% women, 9% men).
• Type III GBS was the most prevalent serotype (56.1%), with notable R and X strains and strains with only Ic protein. Most strains were sensitive to penicillin G, ampicillin, erythromycin, and cephalothin, but only 74.2% were sensitive to tetracycline.

Conclusions:

• GBS colonization is prevalent in Ibadan, particularly among pregnant women and STD patients.
• The predominance of Type III GBS and specific protein profiles warrants further investigation for targeted interventions.
• Antibiotic susceptibility patterns highlight the continued effectiveness of penicillin-based treatments but indicate potential resistance to tetracycline.