title: Change in prevalence of group B Streptococcus maternal colonisation in Hong Kong.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To re-examine the prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in our antenatal population, and identify demographic factors associated with carriage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A tertiary obstetrics unit in Hong Kong.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1002 pregnant women were recruited at the booking clinic in a tertiary obstetrics unit in Hong Kong. High and low vaginal swabs and rectal swabs were taken for group B Streptococcus culture. Demographic data and delivery outcomes of the recruits were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in our antenatal population was 10.4%. The majority of carriers were identified by low vaginal swabs (78%), while high vaginal swabs and rectal swabs only identified 31% and 30% of the carriers, respectively. Professional women yielded a higher carrier rate than housewives (21% vs 10%, P=0.03). There was no increase in preterm delivery rate in group B Streptococcus carriers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We noted a dramatic increase in the prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in the Hong Kong pregnant population at their booking visit. Professional women had a higher colonisation rate compared to other groups.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors: Michelle H Y
authors: MH
authors: Tsui
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Ip
authors: P C
authors: PC
authors: Ng
authors: Daljit S
authors: DS
authors: Sahota
authors: T N
authors: TN
authors: Leung
authors: T K
authors: TK
authors: Lau
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology