Περίληψη:
Objective To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of group B
streptococcus (GBS) colonization among pregnant women and their neonates
in Greece, and to examine the serotype distribution of the GBS strains
isolated and their susceptibility to antibiotics.
Methods A vaginal and a rectal swab were obtained from 1014 pregnant or
parturient women followed at public and private hospitals in Athens and
in a city of northern Greece. Cultures were also taken 24 h after birth
from 428 neonates born to these women.
Results The overall maternal and neonatal colonization rates were 6.6%
and 2.4%, respectively. The vertical transmission rate was 22.5%. By
logistic regression analysis, multiparity (greater than or equal toIII)
was associated with a lower colonization rate (odds ratio 4.4, 95%
confidence interval 1.08-18.63). In contrast with other studies,
middle-class women followed privately were more frequently colonized
(10%) than those followed at the public hospital (3.9%) (odds ratio
3.1, 95% confidence interval 1.83-5.42). A higher number of prenatal
visits was also associated with a higher colonization rate (change in
true odds ratio when visits increased by one, 1.3; 95% confidence
interval 1.14-1.60). No association was found between colonization and
maternal age, previous obstetric history, marital status, nationality,
prematurity, Caesarean section, or infant birth weight. The most common
serotypes were II (26.9%), III (22.4%), Ia (19%), Ib (12%), and V
(9%). A considerable proportion of the isolated strains was resistant
to erythromycin (4.5%), clindamycin (6%), or both (6%).
Conclusion The rate and risk factors of maternal and neonatal GBS
colonization may vary in different communities. These rates, as well as
the incidence of neonatal disease, need to be thoroughly evaluated in
each country to allow the most appropriate preventive strategy to be
selected.
Συγγραφείς:
Tsolia, M
Psoma, M
Gavrili, S
Petrochilou, V
Michalas, S
and Legakis, N
Karpathios, T
