A prospective study of group B streptococcal colonization in parturient mothers and their infants

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the rates of group B streptococcal colonization among parturients within the 24 hours prior to delivery and colonization of their newborns. It was also to identify high risk factors. 204 parturients were randomly selected in the Alexandra Hospital, Singapore. Swabs for culture were taken from the maternal vagina and throat and the neonate's ears, throat and umbilicus. In this study it was found that vaginal colonization in the mother is significantly associated with neonatal colonization. Among the various ethnic groups, Malays and Indians/Pakistanis are at a higher risk of having vaginal colonization. All other factors studied, however, failed to show any influence on neonatal colonization and thus appear to have had no forewarning value.