Risk Factors Related to Group B Streptococcal Colonization in Pregnant Women in Labor
Ekachai Kovavisarach MD*, Warintorn Sa-ad ying MD*, Suwattana Kanjanahareutai MSc**
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rajavithi Hospital, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, College of Medicine, Rangsit University ** Department of Pathology, Rajavithi Hospital, Ministry of Public Health
Objective : To determine the risk factors related to group B streptococcal (GBS) colonization in pregnant
women on admission in labor.
Materials and Methods : From the 1st-30 th 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 (cid:31)g/ml and gentami-
cin 8 (cid:31)g/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.
Conclusion : The risk factors for GBS colonization in pregnant women were older maternal age and lower
gestational age.
Keywords : Risk factors, Group B streptococcus, GBS, Colonization
