Progress in pathogenesis of adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by group B Streptococcus

Abstract

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading infectious cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth. GBS colonizes the vagina during pregnancy and can ascend into the uterus and then infect the fetus. It encodes a series of virulence factors such as adhesion and invasion factors, hemolytic pigments and hyaluronidase, which are important to vaginal colonization and immune evasion. Immune responses to GBS cause the release of a multiple of inflammatory mediators, leading to the premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth and fetal injury. This paper reviews the pathogenesis of GBS vaginal colonization and ascending infection causing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Key words: Group B Streptococcus; Vaginal colonization; Ascending infection; Adverse pregnancy outcome; Pathogenesis