Relationship between Colonization of Group B Streptococcal (GBS) in the Reproductive System of Pregnant Women with PCR with Neonatal and Maternal Complications

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major contributor to maternal and neonatal death. GBS colonization in the mother can be transient or intermittent, which is why its examination during delivery is more valuable than screening at lower gestational age. The aim of this study was to compare the complications of premature delivery with term ones in positive cases of GBS by PCR method, which has a higher sensitivity and specificity.

This study provides a cross-sectional study of 160 births. Eighty women with gestational age 28 to 36 weeks and 6 days (preterm group) and 80 women with gestational age 37 to 41 weeks (term) admitted in gynecology ward of Imam Reza Hospital, affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences since March 2016 to September 2016 were investigated. Separate vaginal swabs were obtained from each person to detect GBS by PCR. The two groups were compared in terms of the prevalence of GBS and maternal and neonatal complications.

The prevalence of GBS was 9.4%, which included. 12.3% of mothers of preterm group and 6.3% of mothers of the term group. The frequency of bacteriuria was 40% -50% (P <0.001), pyelonephritis 0% -20% (P = 0.039), and metritis 60% -70% (P <0.001) in preterm and term groups with positive PCR assays, respectively. The prevalence of otitis was 40% -40% (P = 0.039), meningitis 20% -40% (P <0.001), pneumonia 60%
-80% (P <0.001 ), sepsis 20% - 50% (P <0.001), respiratory distress 40% -80% (P <0.001), apnea 20% -40% (P <0.001), hypotension 0% -30% (P < 0.001) and hospitalization in NICU 40% - 100% (P <0.001) in the infants of the preterm and term group with PCR positive test in mother, respectively.

Maternal and neonatal complications are more common in GBS positive cases in preterm pregnancies than in term pregnancy. PCR testing is required for diagnosing in premature labor.