Risk factors related to group B streptococcal colonization in pregnant women in labor.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the risk factors related to group B streptococcal (GBS) colonization in pregnant women on admission in labor


METHODS
From the 1st-30th October 2004, at the Rajavithi Hospital, 320 pregnant women, who fulfilled the specified criteria, were selected for a cross-sectional descriptive study. Swabs were cultured from the lower vagina and anorectum for GBS using Todd-Hewitt broth with nalidixic acid 15 microg/ml and gentamicin 8 microg/ml only.


RESULTS
Colonization was present in 58 cases (18.12%). The risk factor for GBS colonization was an older mean maternal age and a lower mean gestational age. No mothers or neonates during the study period developed a clinical infection from GBS.


CONCLUSIONS
The risk factors for GBS colonization in pregnant women were older maternal age and lower gestational age.
Kovavisarach
Ekachai
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rajavithi Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand.
Ying
Warintorn Sa-ad
WS
Kanjanahareutai
Suwattana
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology