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. 2007 Nov;17(11):854-62.
doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2007.05.014. Epub 2007 Aug 6.

Risk factors for group B streptococcal colonization: potential for different transmission systems by capsular type

B Foxman  1 , B W Gillespie, S D Manning, C F Marrs
Affiliations

Risk factors for group B streptococcal colonization: potential for different transmission systems by capsular type

B Foxman et al. Ann Epidemiol. 2007 Nov.

Abstract

Purpose: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common inhabitant of the bowel and vaginal flora, with known transmission routes including sexual contact and vertical transmission from mother to infant. Food-borne transmission is also possible, as GBS is a known fish and bovine pathogen. We conducted a prospective cohort study in order to identify risk factors for acquisition.

Methods: We identified risk factors for GBS acquisition among college women (n = 129) and men (n = 128) followed at 3-week intervals for 3 months.

Results: A doubling in sex acts significantly increased incidence of GBS capsular type V by 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19, 2.58), and other non-Ia or -Ib types combined by 40% (95% CI: 1.00, 2.06; incidence of capsular type Ia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2; 95% CI: 0.71, 1.88; p = 0.57) and Ib (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.75, 2.86; p = 0.27) were elevated, although not significantly. After adjustment for sexual activity and sexual history, gender, and eating venue, fish consumption increased risk of acquiring capsular types Ia and Ib combined 7.3 fold (95% CI: 2.34, 19.50), but not of acquiring other capsular types. Beef and milk were not associated with GBS incidence.

Conclusions: Different GBS capsular types may have different transmission routes.

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Figures

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1
Three-week incidence rate of Group B Streptococcus of any capsular type, by maximum frequency of vaginal or oral intercourse in the previous 3 weeks, for those with no current partner, an existing partner or a new sex partner in the previous 3 weeks. Ticked lines indicate 95% confidence intervals. 129 female and 128 male freshmen college students living in a single dormitory.
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2
Three-week incidence rate of Group B Streptococcus by capsular type, fish consumption and sexual activity in the previous 3 weeks. Ticked lines indicate 95% confidence intervals. 129 female and 128 male freshmen college students living in a single dormitory.
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