Authors : Vinod R, Sasidharani Govindan, Manju M
DOI : 10.18231/2394-5478.2018.0095
Volume : 5
Issue : 4
Year : 0
Page No : 466-469
Introduction: Colonization with Streptococcus agalactiae or group B Streptococcus (GBS) among antenatal mothers has become an important element which can affect the prognosis of meningitis and sepsis in neonates. Pregnant women with risk factors like preterm labour <37> Aims and Objectives: To find out the prevalence of group B Streptococcus (GBS) among pregnant women of Indian origin in and around our health care centre and to know the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of GBS in our region.
Materials and Methods: Rectal and vaginal swabs were collected from 126 antenatal subjects. They were cultured on to enrichment and enriched media. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) was identified by standard methods and confirmed by Latex agglutination method. Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing (AST) was done on all the isolates to know the pattern of susceptibility.
Results: Samples were collected from 126 pregnant women. Over all 11 (8.73%) rectal and vaginal samples were positive for GBS. GBS was found to be higher in multigravida, 9 (9.7%) out of 92 than primigravida, 2 (5.8%) out of 34. All the eleven isolates were sensitive to Penicillin, Ampicillin, Gentamycin, Vancomycin and Clindamycin. 2(18%) and 1(9%) of the GBS isolates showed resistance and moderate sensitivity to Erythromycin respectively. 8(73%) GBS isolates were sensitive to Erythromycin. All the 11 isolates were resistant to Chloramphenicol, Cotrimoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline and Ceftriaxone.
Conclusion: The exact prevalence of GBS must be investigated more to know its burden. Screening for GBS must be made mandatory during antenatal checkups. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) must be administered at the earliest if the screen is positive. Rapid diagnostic methods must be developed for identification of GBS.
Keywords: Streptococcus agalactiae, Group B Streptococcus, GBS, EOGBS.