[Significance of group B streptococcus (GBS) infections in parturient women].

OBJECTIVES

Maternal infections of group B streptococcus (GBS) has recently been associated with preterm labor and early onset of neonatal infections.

DESIGN

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of GBS infections in parturient women, as well as, GBS infections influence on the pregnancy duration, cesarean section rate, birth weight and Apgar score.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 701 cervical swabs were taken and cultured from pregnant women, who came to delivered to Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Silesian Medical School from 1st of January to 30th of September 2002. Results of cervical swabs cultures were clinically analyzed. Mann Whitney test was used to perform statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In 23 of 701 women (3.3%) who were admitted to our department GBS infections were detected. In women with GBS, preterm birth and low birth weight, as well as, low Apgar score were more frequently observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive--GBS infection cervical swabs was found in 23 of 701 parturient women (3.3%) who were admitted to our department. In women with GBS, higher preterm birth rate, as well as, higher cesarean section rate performed because of intrauterine infection were observed, but the differences were not statistically significant.