Perinatal Infection of Group B Streptococcus in Taiwan

Hsun-Pi Su

2008 Vol.24 NO.5

Correspondence Author: Hsun-Pi Su

Abstract:

In this study we investigate perinatal vaginal infection of group B streptococcus among women in Taiwan. We gathered histories, vaginal and rectal swabs from 10 hospitals in northern, central, and southern part of Taiwan from 2,193 women pregnant between 35 to 37 weeks, and histories from 709 women, with a total of 2,702 women. Vaginal and rectal swabs were cultured and tested biochemically for group B streptococcus, and then serotyped and tested for drug sensitivity. Perinatal carrier rate among women in Taiwan was 17.2% (central Taiwan 18.3%, northern 16.1%, and southern 16.6%). Follow-up of 360 cases of group B streptococcus positive patients (GBSPP) by questionnaires showed that 10.3% of the doctors did not prescribe antibiotics, 23.6% prescribed oral antibiotics immediately, and 66.1% prescribed IV medication during labor. Among the 376 bacteria strains isolated, 57 (15.2%) were sensitive to nine antibiotics (penicillin, clindamycin, erythomycin, ampicillin, cefepime, vacomycin, chloramphenicol, cefotaxime, and ofloxacin). Resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin was 34.6% and 28.5%, respectively. There was no resistance to vancomycina or penicillin. Drug resistance was most severe in central Taiwan, followed by northern, then southern. Our results also showed that GBS in Taiwan were mainly serotypes V (27.1%) and III (19.7%). In the histories of GBSPP, 13.6% had GBS urinary tract infection, 10.3% had premature contraction, and 9.4% had premature rupture of membrane. Because the identification of GBS resulted in treatment, no GBS positive babies were born.
Keywords: Perinatal, Group B Streptococcus, serotype