Group B streptococcus colonization and HIV in pregnancy: A cohort study in Nigeria
Authors:
OLALEYE Atinuke
Publication Type: Journal article
Journal: Journal Of Neonatal-perinatal Medicine
ISSN Number:
0
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity. HIV is
prevalent among pregnant women in Nigeria.
AIM: To determine the rates of anogenital GBS colonization in our institution and compare GBS colonization rates between
HIV positive and negative pregnant women.
METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted over 6 months. Patients were separated according to their
HIV status: positive and negative. GBS colonization was assessed by vaginal and anal swabs collected at 35–37 weeks
of gestation and cultured in Todd-Hewitt broth, followed by a confirmatory test. Socio-demographic characteristics and
CD4 count were extracted from patient medical records. Secondary outcomes were identification of risk factors for GBS
colonization, antibiotic sensitivity, and any association between CD4 count and GBS colonization. Appropriate statistical
analysis was done.
RESULTS: A total of 200 patients attended the clinic; 67 HIV positive and 133 negative. Analyzed samples were 198; the
overall prevalence of GBS was 18.2%. No significant difference in GBS colonization was noted between HIV positive (19.4%
[13]) and negative patients (17.6% [23/131]). Most GBS isolates were susceptible to ampicillin (87%) and penicillin (81%).
A high body mass index (BMI) was independently associated with GBS colonization (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.04–1.51). No
association was observed between CD4 counts and GBS colonization.
CONCLUSION:Ahigh prevalence ofGBScolonizationwas observed in our institution. Colonization rates were independent
of the HIV status but associated with a high BMI in HIV positive women.