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

Abstract

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.

Prevalence of maternal group B streptococcus colonization and vertical transmission in low-risk women in a single institute

“…Then the cotton swabs were sealed and transported to a dedicated laboratory for GBS cultures. The swab for the GBS culture was inoculated onto trypticase soy agar containing 5% sheep blood and incubated with 5% CO 2 for 48 hours at 35 C. 17,18 Species identification of b-hemolytic colonies was performed by agglutination with a streptococcal grouping kit (Prolex Streptococcal Grouping Latex Kit; Pro-Lab Diagnostics, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada). 18 The procedures were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.…”

Polymerase Chain Reaction as Screening Method for Group B Streptococcus in Third Trimester of Pregnancy

“…However, even with penicillin-resistant or rare GBS colonies, PCR can be used to confirm the DNA sequence for the identification of GBS and, thus, make a choice of appropriate antibiotics. 9,10 The rates of GBS isolation from the genital or lower gastrointestinal tract cultures of both pregnant and non pregnant women range from 5 to 40%. Such a variation is associated with the differences in geographic locations, sociodemographic features as well as the distinct sampling and microbiological methods used for the detection of the microorganism.…”

“…8 Recently, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become commercially available for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of GBS during pregnancy and labor. 9,10 The present study aims to evaluate the efficiency of a rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in order to determine maternal group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization in the third trimester of pregnancy.…”

Group B streptococcus detection in China: comparison of different screening methods and different sampling sites

“…The tubes containing the specimens and the positive/negative controls were centrifuged for 2-5 sec and heated at 95°C for 2min. Then, they were placed on ice for 2-5min for DNA extraction [13]. The flow-through was used for PCR.…”