Prevalence of Group B Streptococcus in pregnant women in Kerala and relation to neonatal outcomes: a prospective cross-sectional study

Abstract

SUMMARY Background and objectives Early onset sepsis (EOS) in neonates is a scourge that contributes to morbidity and mortality. Prominent stakeholders recommend universal screening of antenatal women for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) for those who are carriers. However, there are controversies. Other guidelines allow region-specific protocols due to sociodemographic, geographical and ethnic differences. We planned to analyze the prevalence of GBS rectovaginal carriage at 36–37 weeks gestation and its effect on early neonatal status. Methods This prospective multidisciplinary study (Obstetrics, Perinatology, Neonatology, Microbiology and Infectious diseases) was conducted in our tertiary care center between February 2020 and May 2021. Results In our study group which included 966 mothers who delivered at the hospital, 4.8% of mothers who were screened by genito-rectal swabs were positive for GBS at 36–37 weeks gestation. All these mothers were given IAP as per protocol. Other organisms detected on screening mothers were Candida and Gram-negative bacteria. None of the neonates born to these mothers required any intensive care unit admission or therapy for systemic illness. There was no difference in clinically relevant outcomes between neonates who were born to GBS-positive mothers as compared to those born to negative screen result mothers. Conclusions GBS prevalence in our cohort was lower than most scientific reports. The neonates born to carrier mothers did not present with signs of early-onset sepsis.