Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine the colonization of group B streptococci (GBS) and risk factors in pregnant women at delivery.
Methods:
The rectovaginal colonization with GBS in 300 pregnant women were investigated. Demographic data and risk factors of the patients were recorded. Rectovaginal specimens were investigated for GBS colonization by two different methods (CAMP and latex agglutination). Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated GBS strains were tested by disk diffusion test.
Results:
GBS were determined in 3% of the subjects. The association between GBS and age, occupation, educational level, socioeconomic status, underlying illnesses, the number of parity, and contraseption methods were not found to be significant. In addition, no significant association was determined between GBS colonization and preterm labor, early or prolonged rupture of membranes. Antimicrobial resistance rates of the isolates were 22% for erythromycin and clindamycin, 89% for tetracycline.
Conclusion:
As a result, routine intrapartum prophylaxis for GBS is not necessarily in our study population, and a national guide should be prepared on this subject.
Keywords: Group B streptococci, pregnancy, colonization