Evaluation of PCR technique as a rapid screening method for detection of Group B streptococci colonization in pregnant women

Abstract

BackgroundGroup-B streptococci (GBS) colonization in pregnant women could be a source of serious neonatal infections, such as meningitis and sepsis; therefore, a rapid and accurate method for detection is needed for early prophylaxis. Conventional culture is a common method used for the detection of GBS. However, polymerase-chain reaction (PCR)-based assay may be another method for detection of GBS colonization.ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of the PCR as a method for detection of GBS (Strept. agalactiae) colonization in the urogenital tract of pregnant women and to detect its prevalence among these women.MethodsThe present study was done at the Department of Clinical Pathology and Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Menoufia University Hospitals, during the period from June 2020 to June 2021. In this study, vaginal and perianal swabs were collected from 250 pregnant women, between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy, who attended the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for perinatal care. Their ages ranged from 20 to 40 years. GBS was detected by culture VITEK2 and PCR was done.ResultsThe prevalence of colonization in pregnant women with GBS was 20%. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR and culture were 99% and 98%, respectively.ConclusionsPCR technique is a rapid, specific, and sensitive diagnostic tool for GBS detection. So, PCR could be used as a rapid test for the detection of GBS colonization in pregnant women. The sensitivity and specificity of automated culture were 99.8% and 89.2%, respectively, so it is also a rapid and specific method for the detection of GBS colonization.