Group B streptococcus colonization in preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes

Abstract

Group B streptococcus (BGS) is the most common agent of early-onset neonatal sepsis followed by Escherichia coli. Prematurity is considered an independent risk factor for GBS early-onset sepsis and the risk ratio doubles for each 3-week reduction in gestational age and approaches 20 for newborns less than 28 weeks. The aim of this study was to identify maternal and neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization rates and risk factors for colonization in women with preterm labor and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). It involved 203 women and 98 newborns attended at the Maternity of the State Univeristy of Campinas Brazil. A study like this has never been done in Brazil and it might be the first step in a critical analysis of GBS infections impact at our institution. A total of 812 cultures were performed maternal vaginal and anorrectal samples and oropharyngeal neonatal swabs were collected and cultured in routine and Todd—Hewitt selective media. Maternal colonization rate was 27.6%. Colonization rates were 30% for preterm PROM and 25.2% for preterm labor. (excerpt)