Clinical Features of Group B Streptococcus Colonization in Vagina During Late Pregnancy at a Primary Maternity Hospital

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiologic and clinical features of maternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in vagina during their third trimester. @*Methods@#This study included 644 pregnant women who had undergone GBS culture test in their third trimester in 2018. We collected data from the primary level of care maternity hospital through the retrospective chart review. We compared patients’ demographics, maternal obstetrical complications and neonatal adverse events between GBS positive (n=41) and GBS negative (n=603) groups. To find out clinical predictors of GBS positive result, univariable chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied. @*Results@#The colonization rate of GBS in maternal vagina was 6.4% in their third trimester. GBS positive group showed significant association with the third trimester anemia (hemoglobin level <10.5 g/dL) (p=0.013) and oligohydramnios (p=0.024; odds ratio, 7.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–41.31). All specimens were susceptible to penicillin G and cephalosporin. The antibiotic resistance to both erythromycin and clindamycin was 31%. @*Conclusion@#The colonization rate of GBS in maternal vagina was 6.4% and third trimester maternal anemia was associated with the GBS carrying status.