Prevalence of colonisation by group B streptococcus in pregnant patients in Taguatinga, Federal District, Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

PROPOSE: Group B streptococcus is responsible for severe infections in neonates resulting from vertical transmission from pregnant women colonized in the anal, perineal or vaginal regions. The identification of colonized patients and use of intrapartum prophylaxis may reduce the risk of neonatal infection.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of pregnant women of gestational age between 35 and 37 weeks was conducted. Material was collected from patients for laboratory identification of group B streptococcus. Epidemiological data, including weight, height, body mass index, antibiotic use during pregnancy, pathologies during pregnancy (diabetes, hypertensive diseases, and hypothyroidism), twinning, and others, were also collected from patients.

RESULTS: The sample consisted of 501 pregnant women, and the prevalence of group B streptococcus was 14%. The mean age was 29 years, and the mean BMI was 30.7. During pregnancy, 204 patients had some type of infection, and 201 used antibiotics. Ninety-five patients were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus and 74 with some type of hypertensive disease.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of group B streptococcus observed did not differ from that observed in other studies. None of the factors studied can be considered as risk or protective factors for maternal colonization by group B streptococcus.