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Risk factors for neonatal group B streptococcus vertical transmission: a prospective cohort study of 1815 mother–baby pairs

Journal of Perinatology volume 38, pages 1309–1317 (2018)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background

The potential factors associated with group B streptococcus (GBS) vertical transmission have not been studied in detail.

Study design

A prospective cohort study was conducted to recruit 1815 mother–neonate pairs for GBS analysis. Pearson’s chi-squared tests and generalized linear models were used to explore the risk factors for neonatal GBS colonization.

Results

The rate of GBS vertical transmission was 14.1%. GBS colonization in all neonates was significantly associated with maternal GBS colonization, mode of delivery, episiotomy, number of prenatal vaginal exams, parity, and hypertension. For neonates born to GBS-positive mothers, GBS vertical transmission was associated with the mode of delivery, episiotomy, and sexually transmitted diseases. For neonates born to GBS-negative mothers, neonatal GBS colonization was associated with the number of prenatal vaginal exams, parity, and hypertension.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the need for prenatal GBS screening for pregnant women and intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis for GBS-colonized women.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong province (no. 2014A020212306), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 81602901), and the Science and Technology Innovation Funds of Longhua District (no. 20151229A1030122). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of the data.

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  1. These authors contributed equally: Zhiyao Chen, Chuan’an Wu.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China

    Zhiyao Chen, Dan Guo, Zhenjiang Yao & Xiaohua Ye

  2. Women Health Care, Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Longhua District, Shenzhen, China

    Chuan’an Wu, Xuelian Cao & Guoming Wen

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  1. Zhiyao Chen
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Correspondence to Xiaohua Ye.

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Chen, Z., Wu, C., Cao, X. et al. Risk factors for neonatal group B streptococcus vertical transmission: a prospective cohort study of 1815 mother–baby pairs. J Perinatol 38, 1309–1317 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-018-0182-z

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