Prenatal Group B Streptococcus Test Using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the percentage of pregnant women with negative Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening results by culture at 35 weeks' gestation, who subsequently had positive GBS test results after 39 weeks' gestation. Materials and Methods: From 2006 to 2007, we recruited 150 pregnant women who received routine GBS culture screening at 35 weeks' gestation with negative results, and who had repeat cultures and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for GBS after 39 weeks' gestation. Results: Two percent of pregnant women with GBS-negative results by culture screening at 35 weeks' gestation were GBS-positive at 39 weeks' gestation. Conclusion: It is necessary to perform a GBS test 4 weeks after an initial negative GBS culture at 35–37 weeks of gestation. RT-PCR provides a simple and rapid alternative method for detecting rectovaginal GBS colonization at the time of labor.

Keywords

• group B streptococci
• maternal screening
• pregnant women
• real-time polymerase chain reaction