ABSTRACT
Hong Kong Med J 2009;15:414-9 | Number 6, December 2009
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Change in prevalence of group B Streptococcus maternal colonisation in Hong Kong
Michelle HY Tsui, Margaret Ip, PC Ng, Daljit S Sahota, TN Leung, TK Lau
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
OBJECTIVES. To re-examine the prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in our antenatal population, and identify demographic factors associated with carriage.
DESIGN. Prospective observational study.
SETTING. A tertiary obstetrics unit in Hong Kong.
PARTICIPANTS. A total of 1002 pregnant women were recruited at the booking clinic in a tertiary obstetrics unit in Hong Kong. High and low vaginal swabs and rectal swabs were taken for group B Streptococcus culture. Demographic data and delivery outcomes of the recruits were analysed.
RESULTS. The prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in our antenatal population was 10.4%. The majority of carriers were identified by low vaginal swabs (78%), while high vaginal swabs and rectal swabs only identified 31% and 30% of the carriers, respectively. Professional women yielded a higher carrier rate than housewives (21% vs 10%, P=0.03). There was no increase in preterm delivery rate in group B Streptococcus carriers.
CONCLUSIONS. We noted a dramatic increase in the prevalence of group B Streptococcus colonisation in the Hong Kong pregnant population at their booking visit. Professional women had a higher colonisation rate compared to other groups.
Key words: Pregnancy complications, infectious; Streptococcal infections; Streptococcus agalactiae; Vaginal smears
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