MATERNAL RISK FACTORS FOR GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS (GBS) VAGINAL COLONIZATION

Abstract

Approximately 18% of pregnant women are colonized with Group B streptococcus (GBS), which are β-hemolytic, gram-positive bacteria. GBS conversion from the asymptomatic commensal in the vagina to an invasive pathogen predisposes the pregnant women to ascending intrauterine infection that tiggers preterm birth and initiate fetal and neonatal infections. Here, we review the prevalence of colonizing GBS serotypes and sequence types (STs) in different geographical regions. Maternal components including demographical and obstetric factors that increase the risk for GBS colonization during pregnancy are also further elucidated. The prevalence of colonizing GBS serotypes and sequence types (STs) are elucidated in this review in addition to the maternal components including demographical and obstetric factors that increase the risk for GBS colonization during pregnancy. Investigating the epidemiology is crucial for the development of new therapeutic and preventive measures to reduce the burden of invasive GBS disease worldwide including risk-factor based screening protocols.

Keywords

• group b streptococcus
• vaginal colonization
• ascending intrauterine infection
• preterm delivery