Group B Streptococcus in Pregnant Women
Author Information
Author(s): David S. McKenna, Scott Matson, Ike Northern
Primary Institution: Wright State University
Hypothesis
What is the rate of positive group B streptococcus (GBS) cultures at 35-37 weeks gestation in women who have first trimester asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria?
Conclusion
Genital tract cultures at 35-37 weeks for GBS correlate poorly with first trimester asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria.
Supporting Evidence
- 30.2% of women with asymptomatic first trimester GBS bacteriuria had positive third trimester genital cultures.
- 63% of the women with typable urine serotypes had the same typable serotype in the third trimester genital culture.
- Only 2.8% of the pregnant women in the clinic had positive first trimester urine cultures for GBS.
Takeaway
This study found that many pregnant women who had GBS in their urine early in pregnancy did not have it in their genital cultures later on, suggesting that not all need antibiotics during labor.
Methodology
Pregnant women with asymptomatic first trimester GBS bacteriuria had genital cultures for GBS performed at 35-37 weeks gestational age.
Limitations
The small number of typable urine/genital culture pairs and the lack of rectal cultures may limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 23.4 years; 64% African American, 36% Caucasian; 40% nulliparous.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.09
Confidence Interval
95% confidence interval: 18.4-44.3%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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