Detection of group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women by SYBR Green real-time PCR

Abstract

Objectives: Application of SYBR Green real-time PCR and bacterial isolation methods to detect Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) carriage in women at 35-37 weeks’ gestation. Patients and Method: Use of SYBR Green real-time PCR and bacterial isolation methods to detect GBS in 116 women at 35 - 37 weeks’ gestation. Results: The rate of carrier of GBS in women at 35 - 37 weeks gestation was 9.5% (11 pregnant women), in which real-time PCR method was positive in all positive GBS women, while bacterial culture method was positive at 6% (7 pregnant women). These methods (culture and real-time PCR) had substantial agreement with the value of Kappa is 0,77. Checking for the targeted sequence amplification of real-time PCR by the curve of melting temperature and agarose electrophoresis of amplified product, the real-time PCR product was correctly targeted at the expected genetic sequence. Conclusion: SYBR Green real-time PCR method for detecting GBS in pregnant women is useful, low-cost and easy for performing. Therefore, it is suitable for detecting GBS in diagnostic laboratories where real-time PCRs are available. Key words: Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS), real-time PCR, pregnant woman