Whole genome sequence based capsular typing and antimicrobial resistance prediction of Group B streptococcal isolates from colonized pregnant women in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is one of the major bacterial pathogens responsible for neonatal sepsis. Whole genome sequencing has, in recent years, emerged as a reliable tool for capsular typing and antimicrobial resistance prediction. This study characterized vaginal and rectal isolates of Group B Streptococcus obtained from pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria using a whole-genome sequence-based approach. RESULTS: Capsular types Ia, Ib, II, III, IV and V were detected among the 43 isolates sequenced. Twelve sequence types (STs) were identified, with ST19 (n = 9, 27.3 %) and ST486 (n = 5, 15.2 %) the most frequent among non-duplicated isolates. Of the alpha-like proteins (alp) identified, Alp1 was the most prevalent in 11 (33.3 %) isolates. Macrolide and lincosamide resistance determinants were present in 15 (45.5 %) isolates; ermB was detected in 1 (3 %), ermTR in 7 (21.2 %) isolates, lnu gene was detected in 6 (18.2 %) and mef was identified in 3 (9.1 %) isolates. Resistance of GBS to erythromycin and clindamycin (predicted from presence of erm or mef genes) was found to be 30.3 % and 24.2 %, respectively. All isolates were predicted resistant to tetracycline with only the tetM gene identified. Fluoroquinolone-resistance conferring substitutions in gyrA + parC were detected in 9 (27.3 %) isolates and chloramphenicol resistance was predicted from presence of aac6'-aph2 gene in 11 (33.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: The data available from the whole genome sequencing of these isolates offers a small but insightful description of common serotypes and resistance features within colonizing GBS in Nigeria.

Bacterial vaginosis among women with tubal factor infertility in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among women with tubal factor infertility. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective study of women with tubal factor infertility was conducted at a Nigerian teaching hospital between March and September 2014. An equal number of fertile women attending the family planning clinic were recruited as controls. Interviews were conducted to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, history and characteristics of vaginal discharge, knowledge, and practices. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed using the Amsel criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine predisposing factors. RESULTS: Overall, 178 women with tubal factor infertility were recruited. Bacterial vaginosis was noted in 50 (28.1%) of these women, compared with 14 (7.9%) of 178 fertile women (P < 0.001). Patients with tubal factor infertility had an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis when they were of low socioeconomic class (OR 11.89; 95% CI 5.20-27.69), practiced vaginal douching (OR 19.15; 95% CI 7.26-47.75), used vaginal drying agents (OR 17.04; 95% CI 6.91-43.24), had an early sexual debut (OR 32.08; 95% CI 12.02-88.89), and had a history of sexually transmitted infections (OR 12.42; 95% CI 5.36-29.35). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was high among patients with tubal factor infertility. Socioeconomic and cultural factors contribute to the risk of the condition.