Epidemiologic pattern of vaginal colonization by group B streptococcus in pregnant women in Hamadan, central west of Iran

ABSTRACT

Group B Streptococcus [GBS] is a leading cause of serious neonatal infections. Although great progress has been made in preventing prenatal GBS, its colonization rate in different regions of Iran remains unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the colonization rate of GBS in pregnant women in Hamadan city, Central west of Iran. A group of 544 pregnant women were randomly selected after 20 weeks gestation. Vaginal specimens were examined by Gram staining and culture methods and GBS was identified using bacteriologic criteria. Of these cases, 145 [26.7%] were colonized by GBS. A significant relationship was found between the career of subjects and the related colonization rate. Parity, gestational age, and the number of children were unrelated to GBS colonization. The results are indicating that the relatively high colonization rate of GBS in pregnant women living in Central west of Iran, warrants a routine screening and prophylactic treatment of the infected women