[The level of implementation of the prevention program of group B Streptococcal infection during pregnancy and in newborns in accordance to the recommendations of the Polish Gynaecological Society - questionnaire survey].

BACKGROUND

Maternal colonization of Streptococcus agalactiae in pregnancy constitute an important clinical problem, that may result in serious consequences, especially for the newborn. Streptococcus agalactiae is a gram-positive beta-hemolytic streptococci belonging to the serological group B (GBS). According to recent data the GBS is found in 10-30% of healthy women, and the carriage of pathogen is usually asymptomatic. In order to minimize the risk of vertical transmission of the infection to the newborn during the labor, the Polish Society of Gynecology (PTG) has introduced the guidelines of GBS colonization screening for all pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES

In this paper, the level of implementation of the screening tests in accordance to the recommendations of the PTG was evaluated. We also assessed the level of knowledge and awareness of pregnant women in detection of GBS colonization during the pregnancy and the prevention of infection in newborn.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The survey was conducted among the 172 women hospitalized in hospital maternity wards in the first days of postpartum.

RESULTS

Despite the introduction of the Polish Society of Gynecology guidelines, there are still cases of improper screening methods and medical interventions in the event of positive test results. Biological material was collected in 86% of patients (swabs from the genital tract, anus or urine culture). A positive result was found in 22% of patients. In 54% of patients swabs were taken at the recommended period of 35-37 weeks. The recommended collection of the material both from vagina and anus was taken only in 39% of patients. The majority of participated women described their knowledge of the risk associated with group B Streptococcal colonization as good, however only half of them found acquired information sufficient. Despite the implementation of guidelines Polish Gynaecological Society the incorrect conduct of the prevention against GBS is still performed in some cases.

CONCLUSION

It is appropriate to perform consciousnessraising campaigns on screening of GBS among patients and doctors.