Evaluation of StrepBSelect Chromogenic Medium and the Fast-Track Diagnostics Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Real-Time PCR Assay Compared to Routine Culture for Detection of GBS during Antepartum Screening

摘要

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis in developed countries (1, 2). Early-onset disease (0 to 6 days of life) is acquired intrapartum from mothers with vaginal-rectal colonization with GBS (1–3). Maternal GBS colonization rates range from approximately 10 to 40% in developed countries, with an estimated rate of 20% in near-term pregnant women in our health care region (2, 4, 5). Studies have shown that intrapartum administration of antibiotics reduces neonatal transmission of GBS, thereby preventing early-onset disease (1, 6, 7). Laboratory detection of GBS colonization status in near-term pregnant women is therefore important for the selective prescription of antibiotic prophylaxis at delivery.