Group B streptococci carrier rate in pregnant women and ther new born infants

ABSTRACT

The group B streptococcal [GBS] carrier rate in pregnant mothers and their infants was studied. Eighty five mother/infants pairs and 20 mm pregnant women [controls] were examined. Vaginal and rectal swabs were taken from each mother in labour. Also, swabs from each infant taken from eight sites namely umbilicus, both ears, both nostrils, scalp, rectum and pharynx were examined from all previous subjects the swabs were obtained and inoculated immediately on blood agar plates. The isolated organisms were identified by conventional methods, while identification of [GBS] was done by both Lancifield and latex agglutination methods. The study revealed that the maternal streptococcal colonization rate was 21.2%, while the maternal GBS carrier rate was 18.8%. In nonpregnant women it was 5%, while the infant colonization rate was 11.8%. According to residence, age and parity [GBS] was statistically significant among rural women and the incidence decrease with old age and multiple parity. Sixteen cases of maternal GBS serotypes were detected by Lancifield method compared to 15 cases were recorded by latex agglutination test. Serotype [III] of [GBS] was the most prevalent ones among both pregnant mothers and their new born infants