Prevention of perinatal group B streptococcal infections: A review with an Indian perspective

Abstract

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. Asymptomatic colonisation of the vagina and rectum with Group B streptococci is common in pregnancy. Maternal colonisation of GBS can vary depending on ethnicity and geographical distribution. Vertical transmission of this organism from mother to foetus may lead to neonatal GBS disease. Intra-partum use of antibiotics in these women has led to a decrease in the rate of early onset but not late onset GBS disease. Identification of women with GBS is the key factor in the prevention of perinatal GBS disease. There are different screening strategies available to identify women at risk of perinatal GBS disease. Clinicians continue to face the challenge of choosing between preventive strategies to reduce the impact of perinatal GBS disease. Controversy exists regarding the ideal preventive strategy. In India, the mortality and morbidity associated with the GBS disease remains largely a under-recognised problem. This comprehensive review summarises the salient features of GBS disease and discusses the epidemiology, risk factors, screening strategies, intra-partum antibiotic prophylaxis with an Indian perspective and how it compares with the Western nations.

Group B Streptococcus among Pregnant Women and Newborns in Mirzapur, Bangladesh: Colonization, Vertical Transmission, and Serotype Distribution

“…A recent meta-analysis also reported a lower prevalence of rectovaginal GBS colonization in Southeast Asia (11.1%), although the prevalence varied widely in India (2% to 16%) (15)(16)(17)(18)(19). However, this rate of maternal carriage was lower than those in sub-Saharan Africa (21% to 22%) (15,20,21), North America and South America (19.7% to 24%) (15,22), and Europe (19%) (15).…”

Serotype, Genotype, and Clinical Manifestations of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Isolated from Neonates in China

“…It is also a common bacterial pathogen causing infections in newborns, such as sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia, following exposure in an infected birth canal (3). Neonatal GBS infections have two major forms, early-onset disease (EOD) that occurs within the first 7 days after birth and late-onset disease (LOD) that occurs later than 7 days after birth (4,5). As a common bacterial pathogen causing neonatal infections in Western countries, GBS is also a major causative agent of neonatal infections in China, with a subsequent high mortality and morbidity.…”

Risk Factors Associated with Group B Streptococcus Colonization and Their Effect on Pregnancy Outcome

“…Group B streptococcus (GBS), also known as Streptococcus agalactiae is an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world [1]. It is also implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes [2].…”