Clinical Significance of Group B Streptococcal Infection in Pregnant Women

Choi, Kil Ung; Koh, Seung Kwon; Lee, Ji Young; Park, Jee Hyun; Hwang, Sung Ook; Lee, Byoung Ick; Lee, Woo Young

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study was to evaluate the prevalence rate of group B streptococcal infection in pregnant women after 35th gestational week and the relationship between group B streptococcal infection and the prognosis of pregnant women and their neonates.
METHODS
From January 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, the medical records of 204 pregnant women who had visited department of Ob and Gyn, Inha Hospital for antenatal care were reviewed. The specimen were obtained from lower vaginal wall and perineum, and were inoculated on selective media to isolate group B streptococci. The relationship between group B streptococcal infection in those pregnant women and the prognosis of them and their neonates peripartum were evaluated.
RESULTS
The prevalence of group B streptococci in pregnant women was 1.96% (4/204). No group B streptococcal infection was found in their neonates (0/4). There is no significant statistical differences in prognosis between the pregnant women with group B streptococci and those without group B streptococi.
CONCLUSION
This study was revealed that the prevalence rate of group B streptococci in pregnant women was very low and the screening test for group B streptococcal infection in pregnant women might be regarded as meaningless. However, group B streptococcus has been known to cause many complications in pregnant women and their neonates. Further studies are needed for the significance of group B streptococcal infection in pregnant women and their neonates.