Serotype-specific acquisition and loss of group B streptococcus recto-vaginal colonization in late pregnancy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Maternal recto-vaginal colonization with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and consequent vertical transmission to the newborn predisposes neonates to early-onset invasive GBS disease. This study aimed to determine the acquisition and loss of serotype-specific recto-vaginal GBS colonization from 20-37+ weeks of gestational age.

Methods

Vaginal and rectal swabs were collected from HIV-uninfected women at 20-25 weeks of gestation age and at 5-6 weekly intervals thereafter. Swabs were cultured for GBS and isolates were serotyped by latex agglutination. Serologically non-typable isolates and pilus islands were characterized by PCR.

Results

The prevalence of recto-vaginal GBS colonization was 33.0%, 32.7%, 28.7% and 28.4% at 20-25 weeks, 26-30 weeks, 31-35 weeks and 3

SUBMITTER: Kwatra G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4076185 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature