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Group B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation among expectant Irish mothers
E Kieran1, M Matheson, A G Mann
1National Maternity Hospital, Dublin.
Irish Medical Journal
|May 1, 1998
Summary
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) carriage is common in pregnant Irish women, affecting 25.6%. Dual-site screening improves detection, highlighting the need for management strategies to reduce neonatal risks.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a significant cause of perinatal morbidity and neonatal mortality.
- Understanding GBS prevalence and serotypes in pregnant populations is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies have indicated GBS as a serious threat to newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of GBS carriage among pregnant women in Ireland.
- To identify the serotype distribution of GBS isolates in this population.
- To inform strategies for managing GBS in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 504 pregnant Irish women in the final four weeks of pregnancy.
- Dual-site sample collection: one perianal and one low vaginal swab.
- GBS isolation using Todd Hewitt broth enrichment and subculture, followed by serotyping.
Main Results:
- 129 women (25.6%) were asymptomatically colonized with GBS.
- Dual-site screening detected 5% more carriers compared to single-site screening.
- Predominant GBS serotypes identified were Type I (30%) and Type III (30%), followed by Type II (17%), Type V (9%), and Type IV (1%).
Conclusions:
- GBS colonization is highly prevalent in pregnant Irish women.
- Dual-site screening enhances the detection of GBS carriers.
- Developing a management strategy for GBS in pregnancy is essential to mitigate neonatal morbidity and mortality.