The epidemiology of vaginal colonisation with group B streptococci in a sexually transmitted disease clinic.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection is sexually transmitted and whether colonisation with GBS could be related to vaginal symptoms or signs.

STUDY

DESIGN

In 432 consecutive female patients visiting a Rotterdam STD clinic a structured sexual and gynaecological history was taken. An extensive search was done for sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidosis. A vaginal swab was taken for bacterial culture. A case-control study was performed on a subset of data.

RESULTS

Twelve percent of patients were colonised with GBS. No significant correlation was found between sexual behaviour variables and GBS colonisation. Vaginal colonisation with GBS was not correlated with vaginal signs or symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, vaginal colonisation with GBS was not correlated with any of the epidemiological variables previously reported. Sexual contact does not seem to be the principal way of transmitting GBS. Our findings confirm the general opinion that vaginal colonisation with GBS usually does not cause any vaginal symptoms.