Research article PREVALENCE OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL COLONIZATION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN COASTAL KARNATAKA.

The aim of our study was to evaluate maternal colonization with Group B Streptococci (GBS) which may predispose to adverse neonatal outcome. The study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore for a duration of one year. Duplicate sterile swabs of all samples from vagina of antenatal cases (35 to 37 wks gestation) who visited the Gynaecology OPD and wards were collected. Samples were transported without delay and cultured and identified by biochemical and agglutination tests. The antibiogram for the isolates were performed as per CLSI guidelines. Of the 349 antenatal cases screened during the third trimester for GBS colonization, 29 (8.31%) were found to harbour Group B Streptococcus. The different rates of colonization of GBS in the population has led to the conclusion of potential hazards to neonates among pregnant women warranting mandatory screening of not only vaginal but also urine and rectal samples to get a more reliable result leading to better early intrapartum treatment and safer neonatal outcomes.