Objectives: We aimed to utilize a simple molecular assay to simultaneously detect both group B Streptococcus (GBS) and virulent ST-17 rectovaginal colonization. We also attempted to estimate the prevalence of maternal GBS and ST-17 carriers and to evaluate their seasonal association. Subjects and Methods: We used an optimized multiplex PCR method employing scp-B and ST-17 primers to analyze DNA extracted from rectovaginal swabs of 3,064 cases collected over 3 years. The incidence trends, seasonal variations, and temperature preference were analyzed. Results: The overall prevalence of maternal colonization for GBS and ST-17 clone were 13.25 and 2.48%, respectively. The ST-17 to GBS ratio was 18.72%. The occurrence of ST-17 colonization was significantly associated with seasonal variations with a preference for lower temperatures. Conclusions: We developed a novel multiplex PCR method suitable for the simultaneous detection of GBS and ST-17 clone. The phenomenon of lower temperature preference for ST-17 clone necessitates further investigation. The epidemiological data for GBS and ST-17 incidence are especially important to establish a public policy for universal GBS screening in the future.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.