Group B Streptococcus among Pregnant Women and Neonates in Saudi Arabia: A Systemic Review

Abstract

Sepsis caused by Group B Streptococcus (GBS) continues to cause mortality and morbidity in newborns, especially in developing countries. Bacterial sepsis in newborns varies nationally and even within countries. Developing countries have reported 34 deaths per 1000 live births compared to 5 in developed countries. This systemic review aimed to assess the prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women and the incidence of neonatal GBS sepsis in Saudi Arabia. A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE Ovid, and Google Scholar was conducted. A total of 21 studies were found: 15 described maternal GBS colonization and 6 studies described neonatal GBS infections. The GBS colonization prevalence among pregnant women ranged from 2.1% to 32.8%. Inconsistencies in the reporting method for neonatal GBS infection rates were observed. Only two studies have the incidence of neonatal GBS as the primary outcome. No national multicenter studies exist on the GBS rates among neonates. Nationwide studies are warranted to assess the burden of GBS infections in neonates. These studies would guide appropriate GBS screening strategies during pregnancy for application in a national public health program.

Neonatal Group BStreptococcusinfection at a single center in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia

“…12 Locally, it was also observed that GBS colonization prevalence was higher among women in the cities Riyadh )27.6%( and Jeddah )31.6%(, Saudi Arabia. 5 Studies have reported varying rates of maternal GBS colonization in Saudi Arabia, ranging from 13.4-31%. [13][14][15] However, a study by Ahmad et al 16 reported a prevalence of 2.1% for maternal GBS colonization.…”

“… 3 The global average prevalence of colonized women with GBS is 18% ranging from a high prevalence in the Caribbean of 35% to a much lower prevalence in Southern Asia at 13%, and Eastern Asia at 11%, while locally in Saudi Arabia the GBS colonization prevalence among pregnant women ranged from 2.1-32.8%. 4 , 5 So neonates are 29 times more likely to experience early-onset disease (EOD), although only 1-2% will experience invasive GBS infection. Risk factors for EOD include positive GBS colonization, preterm labor before the 37th week of gestation, prolonged premature rupture of membranes lasting more than 18 hours, and higher body temperature during delivery.…”

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Methods: This retrospective study was carried out at the Maternity and Child Hospital in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, between 2017-2022. The laboratory and clinical data of 64 neonates were collected and analyzed using GraphPad Prism 7 software.Results: Out of 16,022 neonates admitted to the nursery, 64 infants were diagnosed with GBS infection.

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