Screening for group B hemolytic streptococcal infection in pregnancy in a low-resourced country

Abstract

Screening for group B hemolytic streptococcal infection in pregnancy in a low-resourced country B. Bassaw 1 , R. Romeo-Bassey 2 , A. Jaggat 3 , M. Manjunath 2 , S. Perkins 2 , S. Khan 4 1 The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, 2 Port-of-Spain General Hospital, Port-of- Spain, 3 Westshore Medical Hospital, Port-of-Spain, 4 San Fernando General Hospital, San Fernando (Trinidad) Summary Objectives: The objectives of this study conducted in a low-resourced country were to determine the feasibility and acceptability among pregnant women of universal screening for group B streptococcus (GBS), the prevalence of GBS, to calculate the risk of vertical transmission, and to study the neonatal outcome of early onset group B streptococcus disease (EOGBSD). Materials and Methods: All pregnant women between 35-37 weeks of gestation who attended the Port-of-Spain General Hospital during a six-month interval were enrolled in a study involving universal screening for group B streptococcus from vaginal and ano-rectal swabs. After appropriate laboratory preparation, inspection of the plate for GBS was performed. Patients found to be GBS screen-positive received intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). Results: Among the 420 eligible patients, 341 women (81.2%) agreed to participate. A total of 52 maternities (15.2%) were confirmed as GBS screen-positive. The highest rate of positive results were observed in Afro-Caribbean women, although this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) was administered to 37 patients (71.1%). Conclusion: This study reveals that despite the relatively low prevalence rate of GBS, a policy of universal screening and IAP in low-resourced countries, it is possible to address the major burden of EOGBSD.