Group B streptococcal and premature births: a narrativo review

Abstract

Introduction: Premature births are those that occur before 37 weeks of gestational age. A clinical condition that remains problematic for obstetrics, mainly because of the high neonatal mortality it causes. Although most children survive, they are at risk of increased damage to neurological development and respiratory and gastrointestinal complications. Microorganisms, such as Streptococcal agalactiae (Group B Streptococcal - GBS), have been associated with prematurity. This comprehensive review aims to present data on the association between GBS and prematurity. Methods: Using the keywords Group B Streptococcal, prematurity, and Intrapartum antibiotic therapy, articles on the following databases were searched: PubMed, the Cochrane database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Lilacs/Scielo. The most relevant works were considered those published on this theme from January 1, 1973 to December 31, 2021 available on the databases consulted. Results: Premature rupture of ovular membranes (PROM) occurs in 1% to 3% of pregnancies, being an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality and being associated with 30-40% of premature births. Infection caused by group B streptococcal, has been indicated as an important risk factor of premature birth, especially in patients with premature amniorrhexis of the ovular membranes. Discussion: Preventive prophylaxis measures for pregnant women, such as intrapartum medication, to reduce the vertical transmission of invasive GBS diseases resulted in a significant decrease in early newborn disease by the pathogen. In addition, penicillin was and remains as the antimicrobial of choice due to the fact that it has a narrower microbicidal spectrum than the ampicillin, and so it reduces the likelihood of the development of bacterial resistance. Conclusion: GBS has been associated with increased risk of preterm delivery due to premature rupture of the membrane. Also, antibiotic therapy for vaginal infection by bacteria reduced preterm birth with low weight in some populations.